A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols by Candlelight
Sung by the Cathedral Schola
Chase Loomer and Nolan Anthony, organ
Dale Adelmann, conductor
Sunday, December 21, 2025
3:40 p.m. Organ Prelude
4:00 p.m. A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols by Candlelight
Modeled on the beloved carol service broadcast each Christmas Eve from King’s College, Cambridge, England this is the Cathedral’s most popular choral service of the year.
Ancient prophecies foretelling the coming of a Messiah and the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus are illumined by extra-biblical texts, anthems and Christmas carols that have inspired composers, choirs, and worshippers throughout the world and across time.
For those who will be traveling at Christmas and wish first to celebrate with loved ones in Atlanta, and for all who hold the music and message of Christmas dear, this service is a meaningful and joyous celebration. All are welcome! Invite a friend: it may be the best gift you give. Program includes:
- “Once in royal David’s city”, Irby
- Frank Boles, Adam lay ybounden
- arr. Robert Pearsall, In dulci jubilo
- “Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding”, Merton
- John Rutter, There is a flower
- “Comfort, comfort ye, my people”, Psalm 42
- Francis Pott, Balulalow
- arr. David Schelat, The Angel Gabriel
- arr. David Willcocks, “God rest you merry, gentlemen”
- Fredrik Sixten, There is no rose of such vertu
- arr. Paul Halley, What child is this
- “On this day earth shall ring”, Personent hodie
- Oliver Tarney, The wisemen and the star
- arr. Dale Adelmann, “Of the Father’s love begotten”, Divinum mysterium
- Kim André Arnesen, Cradle Hymn
- “Good Christian friends, rejoice”, In dulci jubilo
All worship services at the Cathedral of St. Philip are admission free, and all are welcome.
Free parking in the parking lot adjacent to the Cathedral; handicap accessible.