Lessons and Carols: A Taping for ABC Television December 4, 2010

Come all ye faithful to a special service of Lessons and Carols to be filmed for ABC Television on December 4 at Trinity Church in lower Manhattan. All are welcome to join the parish of Trinity Wall Street and its renowned Trinity Choir, Family Choir, and Youth Chorus in Trinity’s historic sanctuary with the joyful noise of hymns and carols in celebration of the birth of Christ. This special service is presented by Trinity Wall Street and the National Council of Churches USA and will be distributed to ABC affiliates across the nation for broadcast.

Participants are encouraged to dress festively for the occasion and arrive at Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) by 3:30 pm. The taping is scheduled to begin at 4pm and will take approximately one hour.

The song list and readings for the special service include:

Hymn: Once in Royal David’s City”
Anthem: “Ding Dong! Merrily on High, arr. Charles Wood

The First Lesson, Adam and Eve fall from grace
Genesis 3:1-24

Anthem: The Tree of Life, Elizabeth Poston

The Second Lesson, God comforts his people
Isaiah 40:1-11

Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High Gloria

The Third Lesson, The Annunciation to the blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1:26-38

Anthem: “Hodie Christus natus est, Francis Poulenc sung by the Trinity Choir

The Fourth Lesson, Jesus is born at Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-20

Hymn: Go Tell It on the Mountain
The Fifth Lesson, The Word was made flesh
John 1:1-18

Anthem: On Christmas Night, arr. Philip Ledger sung by the Trinity Choir
Hymn: Silent Night, Holy Night Stille Nacht

The Christmas Blessing

Hymn: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

For more information, please call 212-602-9672.

Please see local listings for information on when the service will be aired on ABC-TV in your area, or call your local ABC station.

Lessons & Carols is a beloved Anglican liturgy that traces the birth of the Messiah from prophecy to fulfillment in scripture and song. The tradition is based on an inspiring Christmas Eve service that began in England in the 1880s. During the 1900s, the service grew into a vibrant rite filled with music.

Official Website: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org