This year’s service of Lessons and Carols will be a celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis and the Christmas Crib at Greccio. In 1223, Francis and many of his brothers travelled to Greccio, a hill town in central Italy, to celebrate the feast of Christmas. Francis wanted to create an atmosphere similar to that of Bethlehem so that the townsfolk could experience Christmas as it was recorded in the Gospel of Luke. He brought in a donkey, ox and other animals, thus creating what is considered the first nativity scene.
The readings for the service will be taken from a letter written by Pope Francis, called “Admirabile Signum,” which speaks eloquently about what occurred at Greccio eight centuries ago, and he reflects on the various figures in the nativity scene such as the animals, shepherds, angel, Holy Family, and the Magi. The children of our parish will carry in the beautiful wood-carved figures of our nativity set, and our guest narrator will be the well-known host of New England Public Radio, John Nowacki. As always, our music ministry will present a selection of anthems and carols for all to sing, each carefully chosen to resonate with the theme of the Greccio crèche. Our choir’s voices will intertwine with the congregation’s, creating a tapestry of harmonies that will uplift and inspire, immersing everyone in the true spirit of this festive season!
Guest musicians: Organ Scholar, Madison H. Thomson, Harpist Amanda Evans Carabase, Flutist Gonzalo Cortés, Percussionist Andrew Thomson