This Festival is patterned on the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of King’s College, Cambridge, the backbone of which has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction on Christmas Eve in 1918.

​

The history of redemption is told in nine short Bible readings starting in Genesis, continuing through the prophets, and ending in the Gospels.  The readings are combined with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir anthems. 

 

The Festival begins with the traditional processional hymn Once in Royal David’s City, sung by a single treble voice joined by choir and congregation.  Some of this year's anthems and carols include Ding, Dong! Merrily on High (K. Berg); Lo, How a Rose; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; O Magnum Mysterium (F. Poulenc), and How Great Our Joy (M. Grizzard).  

​

At 4:30 p.m. the Gainesville Brass Quintet and First Presbyterian Jubilate Ringers present seasonal music.

​​

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Experience the Tradition                                                Organ Preparation

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​JOIN US:

Sunday, December 7 - Prelude at 4:30 p.m. - Service at 5 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church (300 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601)

RSVP here

Convenient, free parking for our concerts is available in the church lot south of the sanctuary on SW 2nd Avenue. Click the image below for Google directions.