Why Carol of Nine Lessons?

All Saints Anglican Church Choir, GRA, Enugu

I have celebrated Christmas for many years now and ought not to act freaky as it approach every other year but no, because to me every Christmas comes with a sense of renewal and enthusiasm. Carol of Nine Lessons is one charming event that makes me fall in love with Christmas over again whenever it comes. Only recently did I reminiscence on what Carol of Nine Lessons is all about and how it all began.

Carol of Nine Lessons was first celebrated in 1918 by Kings College Choir at King's College , broadcast by Radio in 1928 and was first televised in 1954. It then spread to other places in the UK and to most parts of the world; today, we celebrate Carol of Nine Lessons, to honour Jesus Christ and gladden our hearts with melodies of hope. Who is behind the long celebrated Carol of Nine Lessons? We may ask.

It was initiated by Eric Milner-White when he returned to Kings College as Dean. Before the world war, he was the Kings College Chaplain but later went to serve as an army chaplain. When he returned to King’s as Dean in 1918, his experience taught him that Church of England needed more imaginative worship. (Kings College) 

All Saints Anglican Church Choir, GRA, Enugu

Carol of Nine Lessons service comes with nine different Bible readings or lessons that tell the story of Christmas, with one or two carol songs in between each of the readings. Carol of Nine Lessons will forever be a wonderful event because of some wonderful artistes like, Cecil Frances Alexander and Henry John Gauntlet; the brains behind “once in Royal Davids City”, George Friedrich Handel; the brain behind “O thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion”, Michael Perry; the brain behind “Calypso Carol”, etc. I have been thinking……….; how will Christmas be without the wonderful melodies they have created? They are wonderful people.

Written by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

You may also wish to read "The World of Christmas" by clicking HERE