The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century.  In this service, we listen to six Scripture lessons beginning with the prophet Isaiah who foresees the peace that Christ, the Messiah, will bring to the world.  Five more “lessons” recall the Annuciation, the birth of Jesus, the visits of the shepherds and the maji, and finally the unfolding of the mystery of the Incarnation through John’s Gospel. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message. A brief prayer and period of sacred silence concludes each lesson.

This is truly a collaborative effort. Our ministers include Sisters and organist friends of the Chapel. With this "festival" we honor music collegue and friend of the SIsters, Mary Ann de la Garza who passed away unexpecatadly in July of this year. Mary Ann went to school with Incarnate Word Sisters from grade school through college. She taught math and music at Incarnate Word High School for over 40 years.

Mary Ann played in the Chapel of the Incarate Word on many occassions, and her madrigal singers performed here many, many times. Christmas was very special to Mary Ann, and we're honored to present this today in her memory.