Advent Vespers service to feature Lessons and Carols on Dec. 7

Advent Vespers, a service of Lessons and Carols, will be presented at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. This year’s service will feature readings, congregational singing, a handbell choir, a brass ensemble and performances by several area choirs. A musical prelude will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Jeremiah Jones, director of music at St. Joseph Church, explained the meaning of the tradition.

“Lessons and Carols consists of scripture readings, beginning with the Old Testament and moving through the birth of Christ,” Jones said. “It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus. The format was based on an order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for Christmas Eve 1880, in Truro, Cornwall. Variations from the standard format have been adapted and used by churches all over the world.”

This year’s service will include music by the Alliance Brass Ensemble, Reeves Handbell Choir, Legacy Christian School, children’s choirs from Sacred Heart, Immaculate Conception and TCCES, adult choirs from First United Methodist, St. John UCC, Grace Lutheran, Sacred Heart, Coro Guadalupe, First Moravian and St. Joseph, along with a percussion ensemble and cello and saxophone soloists.

Jones noted the event’s long tradition.

“This is the 15th year for the service, except for the COVID years,” he said. “Our participants have always said they get as much enjoyment from performing as the audience does while listening. The finale of ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful,’ with everyone singing and all instruments playing, is truly one of the most inspirational happenings of the holiday season. This year we will include a postlude by all instruments.”

The service is free and open to the public. St. Joseph Church is located at 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave. in Dover.