By Emily Malloy

All is quiet as the air is filled with an anticipation that reaches the heights of the picturesque carved fan vault ceiling of the famous chapel of King’s College in Cambridge. Those present anxiously await the lone pure voice to lift high the first notes of Once in Royal David’s City, marking the beginning of the iconic Nine Lessons and Carols. It is a solo of immense honor given to one boy each year. The soloist is only notified moments before the piece is to begin. 

The Nine Lessons and Carols put on by the choir of King’s College was first arranged by Dean Eric Milner-White after his return from the Western front of the Great War in 1918. Though versions of these types of services date back to the Victorian period in various locations, Mliner-White thought a Christmas Eve service wherein Scripture outlining salvation history interwoven with carols and anthems would serve as an uplifting event after the unspeakable hardship and horrors of the war. It was first broadcast via radio in 1928 and has spread far and wide since in both media and replication of service. Many churches throughout the US, including my own parish, hold their own Lessons and Carols services. These timeless programs are certainly worth seeking out to attend. As mentioned in our recent Christmas Guide, this is a wonderful tradition to include within your homes.

Though the music of the program may differ from year to year, the opening of Once in Royal David’s City is constant. Despite those individuals who suffered the Great War are long gone, our constancy of needing Christ to enter into the brokenness of our world remain. Which is why as the years come and go, choir and audience stand and join together their voices, making fertile their hearts for the coming of the Lord within the unique bond and healing that music can bring.

The live broadcast can be enjoyed on Christmas Eve in the United States at 10:00AM Eastern time, on several public radio stations. The radio station of my Alma Mater is one of many that makes it possible that this iconic tradition continues for years to come. Old broadcasts can also be found and enjoyed. 

Hark! the Harold, angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”