Jacksonville – The annual Christmas Celebration of Lessons and Carols will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in Annie Merner Chapel at MacMurray College, according to Terri Benz, director of choral activities.

     The MacMurray College Choir, conducted by Ms. Benz of the College music faculty, will perform along with the Community Children’s Christmas Choir. Children auditioned to be in the choir specifically for the purpose of singing with the College Choir during this celebration. Music Prof. Jay Peterson will be the organist for the service.

     The Celebration of Lessons and Carols is the telling of the Christmas Story through scripture readings and the singing of well-loved carols. From the opening of the processional hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City,” the favorite yuletide program will remind everyone of the essence of Christmas past and present.

     The festival was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England. A revision of the service was made in 1919, involving the rearrangement of the lessons, and from that date the service has always begun with the hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City.”

     The Festival of Lessons and Carols has been replicated and adapted throughout the world largely from the practice of its broadcast worldwide since 1928. The 1930 marks the only time the service has not been broadcast live from King’s College and it has been sent out around the world ever since, even during World War II.

     In addition to the MacMurray Choir and Community Children’s performances, student liturgists will read scripture lessons of the service. MacMurray students will also lead the lighting of candles. MacMurray President Lawrence D. Bryan will give the welcome and MacMurray Chaplain Randy Myers will give the invocation and benediction.

     Community residents are invited to participate in the Christmas Celebration along with students, faculty, and staff of the College. Afterward, the congregation is invited to the third annual “MacMerry Christmas” in McClelland Dining Hall for appetizers, cookies and hot chocolate. The choirs and select soloists will perform popular Christmas music.

     Located in Jacksonville, Ill., MacMurray College is a private, four-year, liberal arts, coeducational college, founded in 1846, and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Its friendly, informal environment stresses academic excellence, personal attention, career experience, and well-rounded development of each individual.