A service of Lessons & Carols for Christmas was first developed in 1880 by Bishop Edward Benson of Truro (who eventually became the Archbishop of Canterbury). A later adaptation by King’s College, Cambridge, became widely known. Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa has further adapted this iconic Christmas liturgy, using readings and carols to narrate the story of God’s loving purpose in creation, from the Spirit of God, which moved over the waters at the beginning of time, and the covenant God made with humankind, to the abandonment of that covenant and the hope-filled promise of humankind’s redemption by the Holy Child of Bethlehem. The lessons are read by individuals from the Cathedral’s diverse community.
The service is offered by Christ Church Cathedral as a gesture of peace and goodwill to the people of the Nation’s Capital.
This service will be offered both in-person or online at https://www.youtube.com/c/christchurchcathedralottawa