Lessons and Carols

Lessons and Carols is one of my favorite traditions at Groton. The atmosphere is amazing, with everyone dressed up, and all the candles creating a warm ambiance. Beautiful music fills the chapel, making it feel comforting and familiar and bringing the community together. It also reminds me a lot of my old school, St. Bernard’s, where we had a similar Christmas service centered around caroling. At St. Bernard’s, the caroling was always something I looked forward to, and now, I continue to look forward to Lessons and Carols at Groton. 

This year stood out because I had the opportunity to experience Lessons and Carols from two completely different perspectives. For the Parents and Alumni service, I was an acolyte, which was exciting but definitely nerve-wracking. Walking down the aisle with the torch, I was mostly focused on not tripping or doing something embarrassing, but once I got past that, it was really cool to help and experience “the other side” of the service. Then, for the student service, I was in the congregation, which was what I was used to. I could sit with my friends, relax, and belt out the hymns without feeling that everyone was watching me. Hearing Personent Hodie, my favorite hymn, was easily one of the best parts and something I always look forward to. The last verse is especially my favorite, because with everyone ramping up for the last few words, it sounds truly angelic and sends shivers down my spine every time. Being part of Lessons and Carols both as an acolyte and as a student made this years’ services more memorable and reminded me of how much I enjoy caroling.