Come ye to sing along at Advent service

Friday, Nov. 14, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY — Just before Christmas, Saint Ambrose Parish will offer its annual Service of Lessons and Carols, an opportunity to sing familiar holiday carols while also hearing Biblical readings that impart the message of Christmas.

“It’s like story time for adults,” said Christopher Huntzinger, the parish’s director of liturgy and music, of the nine readings, each one of which is followed by a hymn. “It’s the story of our salvation.” 

Starting with the story of Adam and Eve, “we go through this series of readings that lead us to the crib at Bethlehem,” he said. “It is the story of our salvation from the beginning to Jesus Christ.” 

The evening will begin with Mass in the church. Afterward, Boy Scouts will serve hot chocolate and cider around fire pits in the church parking lot, while those in attendance sing secular carols; then participants will return to the church for the Service of Lessons and Carols.

The congregation will be encouraged to join singing the hymns that follow the readings, Huntzinger said; many of the carols are standards such as “O Come O Come Emmanuel” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” 

“And then there are some great arrangements of hymns using the organ,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. People always sing and enjoy it. It kind of gets you in the mood for Christmas.”

The parish began the service three years ago; the Roper Memorial Pipe Organ, which was installed at that time, “gives us the ability to create the atmosphere,” Huntzinger said, adding that attendance has grown each year as Catholics and non-Catholics alike enjoy the service. “I think it’s kind of a fun, family-type event. … It will be a great evening. You get your fourth Sunday of Advent in there, some hot cocoa and some secular carols.” 

 

WHAT: Service of Lessons and Carols

WHEN: Dec. 21 , 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Saint Ambrose Parish, 1975 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City

Free and open to the public. Preceding the service will be Mass at 5 p.m., and from 6 to 6:30 p.m. the Boy Scouts will serve hot cocoa and cider.