Music has always been an important part of the life of Christ Church Elbow Park. Services leading up to Christmas are especially rich with music. Starting on Sunday, November 27, Christ Church presents a series of events filled with music. All events are free and open to the public (donations to Food Bank are welcomed) - join them in celebrating the time of year.
Advent Procession - Sunday November 27 at 7:30 pm
The season of Advent provides a time of preparation for Christmas. At Christ Church this time of preparation begins with Advent Procession – a service which moves from darkness to light, from west to east, representing the hope in the coming of Christ, the Light of the world. Enter a darkened church and hear again the ancient message of the coming of Christ through the reading of lessons, anthems sung by the choir, and hymns. As the hour-long service unfolds, the lights will gradually come on until the church is fully illuminated, and the service finishes with everyone singing “O come, O come, Emmanuel”.
Nine Lessons and Carols – Sunday, December 18 at 4:30 pm
Come hear the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus told in nine short readings complemented with Christmas anthems and familiar carols. This is an excellent opportunity for families and anyone who loves the Christmas story and traditional music of the season.
The first Lessons and Carols service was conducted on Christmas Eve, 1880 by E. W. Benson, the first Bishop of Truro, later Archbishop of Canterbury, who was concerned by the excessive consumption of alcohol in pubs during the festive season. The service took place in Truro Cathedral and was attended by over 400 people.
In 1918 King’s College, Cambridge adopted this service with slight changes and our service at Christ church is based on the one used at King’s, with a few alterations. This is an excellent opportunity for families and anyone who loves the Christmas story and traditional music of the season to join us for this very popular service.
Christmas Eve Family Service - Saturday, December 24 at 4:30 pm
Take part in the anticipation of Christ’s birth! Enjoy and even participate in an Ad-Libbed Nativity Story: the coming of Jesus in lyric and song. The special family-centric service will be followed by hot chocolate and games.
Christmas Eve Service - Saturday, December 24 at 9 pm
A traditional Anglican service with anthems from the choir. Join us at 8:30 pm for music from the choir and congregational carol singing.
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All events will take place at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 - 8 Street SW, Calgary). MAP
Donations to Food Bank are welcomed.
Contact: Call 403-243-4680 or send e-mail to office@christchurchcalgary.org.