Live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge and based around nine Bible readings interspersed with Christmas hymns and carols sung by the world-famous chapel choir

For many around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, marks the beginning of Christmas. It is based around nine Bible readings which tell the story of the loving purposes of God. They are interspersed with carols old and new, sung by the world-famous chapel choir who also lead the congregation in traditional Christmas hymns.

Live from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge

Hymn: Once in Royal David's City (desc. David Willcocks)

Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

What Sweeter Music? (John Rutter)

First lesson: Genesis 3 vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

This is the truth sent from above (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Adam Lay Ybounden (Boris Ord)

Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

Ding, Dong, Merrily on High (David Willcocks)

In Dulci Jubilo (Robert Lucas Pearsall)

Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a member of the College staff.

Sussex Carol (arr. David Willcocks)

Hymn: It came upon the midnight clear (desc. Stephen Cleobury)

Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a representative of the City of Cambridge.

A Tender Shoot (arr. Otto Goldschmidt)

A Spotless Rose (Philip Ledger)

Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-38 read by a representative of our Sister College at Eton.

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (arr. David Willcocks)

Nova, Nova (John Scott)

Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1 -7 read by the Chaplain

In The Bleak Midwinter (Harold Darke)

Dormi, Jesu (John Rutter)

Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)

Hymn: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (arr. David Willcocks)

Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

The Flight (Richard Causton – newly commissioned)

Here is the Little Door (Herbert Howells)

Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

Hymn: O come, all ye faithful (arr. David Willcocks)

Blessing

Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (arr. David Willcocks)

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) (Bach)

Sortie on 'In dulci jubilo' (David Briggs) [broadcast on Radio 3 on Christmas Day only]

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Tom Etheridge

Organ Scholar: Richard Gowers

Producer: Philip Billson

(Picture: The Chapel of King's College, Cambridge)