This year, we are excited to present a service of lessons and carols as a set of virtual visits to the homes of people in our body around the world. We will join these families to listen to the traditional readings – though not necessarily in the traditional translations – and to join with them to sing or listen to our most beloved Carols.
Our children and youth, as well as our choir and worship leaders will guide us through the service. The pre-recorded service will be available online on our YouTube channel beginning at 7pm Christmas Eve (PST)
Kids Materials for Christmas Eve service
A Little History
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been celebrated in the beautiful chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, every Christmas Eve since 1918. It has inspired similar services all over the world, including, since 2003, at PBCC.
The core of the service is nine lessons or Scripture readings, which trace the story of God’s loving purposes expressed in his pursuit of sinful humanity, in his promises to Abraham and through the prophets, and finally in the sending of his Son in human form as Jesus to be the Messiah for his people Israel and the Savior for all the world. Interspersed with these readings we sing: first more somber Advent carols, then joyful Christmas carols of adoration and worship.