Many years ago, Archbishop Edward Benson, when at Truro Cathedral in England, instituted this service. It is based on a medieval vigil service that seems to have had its origin at Salisbury Cathedral which, itself, seems to have been influenced by even older liturgical practices and cathedral administration on the continent­—in Normandy, at Rouen. It was modified at a later date by the Very Reverend E. M. Millner-White, at that time Dean of King’s College, Cambridge. It is said that the Dean wanted to institute a substantial and beautiful service for the college students before they returned to their families on Christmas Day. Since then, it has been sung annually at King’s College Chapel on Christmas Eve. The beauty and appeal of the service has spread to the point that churches and cathedrals around the world offer this attractive juxtaposition of the retelling of the Christmas story (actually the story of the Fall and the Redemption, beginning with Adam and Eve, and continuing through the arrival of the Magi at the cradle) with familiar hymns and carols sung by the Choir or by all.

The service consists of a Procession, a Bidding Prayer (during which those present are not only given an explanation of the purpose of the service, but are also asked to pray for the needs of the whole world: for peace and goodwill, for the nations, for the poor, the sick, etc.). Also called to mind are Mary and those who are “upon another shore, and in a greater light” Christians who have gone before us. The Lord’s Prayer is said by all. The Invitatory Carol restates the thoughts of the Bidding Prayer in music. Nine lessons follow. Traditionally, the lessons are read in a defined order, beginning with a young chorister as lector, continuing with various members of the church community, ending with the principal clergyperson of the church, the Rector. Among the carols are tunes and texts we learned perhaps as children. Ideally, the carols and hymns following specific lessons reflect the content of the lesson just read. A closing prayer, a benediction, and a festive hymn complete the service.

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