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One of the most beloved musical Christmas traditions in the English-speaking world is the service known as the “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” The tradition dates to 1878 at the Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, England, on Christmas Eve. The tradition was quickly picked up by other Anglican churches. In 1918, after World War I, it was introduced at King’s College at Cambridge University and first broadcast by the BBC in 1928. It has been broadcast every year since then and replicated by churches throughout the world.

On Sunday, December 15 at 6:00 pm, The Chancel Choir of Wesley Methodist Church will present “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” The service includes nine chronological Bible readings focused on the coming of Christ interspersed with the singing of carols sung by the choir or congregation.

Dr. John Beyers, Senior Minister of Wesley Methodist, explains, “The nine readings are taken from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. They stretch from Genesis to the gospels. The listener begins to realize that the Bible is not a random assortment of passages, but rather a unified account of redemption centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is the one service in the year when worshippers get to hear the sweep of Scripture. The account of Christmas becomes that much more astounding when a congregation hears it in its full Biblical setting.”

Wesley Methodist’s 26-voice choir is directed by Dr. Richard Prior. An award-winning conductor and composer, Dr. Prior’s musical training began in his native England with an upbringing in the rich tradition of English cathedral choirs. “I love this service because it not only harkens to my English heritage but also, in just an hour, captures the magic and mystery of Christmas in words and music,” stated Prior.

Dr. Prior added that this service is an ideal way for The Chancel Choir to prepare for a uniquely English choral experience.

Prior announced that “in May of 2025, our choir will be singing a week-long residency at Lincoln Cathedral in the United Kingdom.” He added, “during our time there, we will also explore the English countryside, visit notable historical sites, and immerse ourselves in the music, architecture, and beauty of the birthplace of so many of our choral and spiritual traditions.” The choral residency is in partnership with STELLARUM, the professional eight-voice acapella ensemble of which Prior and choir member, Elissa Lawson, are members. They will be presenting four separate performances at major venues, including Lincoln Cathedral itself.

“Singing a cathedral residency while the full-time professional choir is on leave is an immense privilege,” Prior noted. “Music and worship have been taking place at Lincoln Cathedral for almost a thousand years. For a brief moment in time, we are tasked with continuing that tradition and preserving that continuity. It will be an extremely rewarding experience, and I am confident the choir members will bring back many new skills to integrate into their roles at Wesley, while also creating lifelong memories.”

The community is invited to “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” which will be held in the Wesley Methodist worship space, located in the gymnasium of Western Heights Baptist Church (2382 West Point Road, LaGrange). A reception will follow the service. There is no charge for attendance.