9 Lessons and Carols - an experience
At our 9 lessons and carols service on Christmas Eve we noticed how deeply the movement of the Spirit touched many of our members with an invitation to reflect further. Here are the lessons, reflections and carols we enjoyed together.
Here is the playlist of carols: Christmas Eve: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols​
First Lesson
God speaks in the Garden. Genesis 3.8-19
Reflection:
"you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
We cannot hide from God, yet have there been times when you have wanted to hide something from God?
God loves us just as we are.
How can you let God love you more today?
Carol 1:
Come thou long expected Jesus
Second Lesson
God gives a promise to faithful Abraham. Genesis 22. 15-18.
Reflection:
What promises are you counting on God to fulfill in your life?
How can you trust and be faithful like Abraham?
Carol 2:
O Come, O Come, Emmanual
Third Lesson
Isaiah foretells the Saviour’s birth. Isaiah 9.2-7.
Reflection:
What places in your life are you looking for light?
...for justice?
... for peace?
How can you embody those things for others?
3rd Carol:
Lo! He Comes
Fourth Lesson
The prophet Micah foretells the forthcoming fame of Bethlehem. Micah 5.2-4.
Reflection:
What does living in security mean to you?
How can you uphold those who don't have security in their lives, through prayer or action?
Carol 4:
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Fifth Lesson
The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. Luke 1.26-38.
Reflection:
"Nothing is impossible with God"
Where might you look for God making the impossible possible in your life?
Does this encourage you to step out in faith and trust like Mary?
How can you share that faith with others?
Carol 5:
The Angel Gabriel
Sixth Lesson
The angel tells Joseph that Mary's child will be God with us. Matthew 1.18-23
Reflection:
Joseph trusted God and chose to follow God's way instead of his own.
He embraced a new path, a different future to what he had imagined for himself.
What new path, or different future is God inviting you to embrace in your life?
Carol 6:
Unto us a Boy is Born
Seventh Lesson
The Shepherds go to the Manger. Luke 2.8-16
Reflection:
"They were terrified"
The amazement of the shepherds didn't stop them from going to see...
What are you being invited to see or notice in your life?
How can you invite others to come and see Jesus?
Carol 7:
While Shepherds watched their flocks
Eighth Lesson
The Magi are led by the star to Jesus. Matthew 2.1-12
Reflection:
The magi noticed the signs in nature...
What signs do we need to notice in nature now?
How can we all respond to creation with faithfullness and care?
Carol 8:
The first Noel.
Ninth lesson
St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. John 1.1-14
Reflection:
Emmanual - God is with us.
How can you allow God to be with you this Christmas?
How can you speak God's word into your home?
...into your neighbourhood?
...into your town or city?
...into your country?
We can bear God to one another.
May we all be blessed by channeling God's Word made flesh, to those we share life with this Christmastide.
Final Carol:
Hark! The Heral Angels Sing