For the many churches that do a service of Lessons and Carols every year as well as those new to the tradition, Hal H. Hopson presents an edition of that beloved service all in one cover. A Festival of Lessons and Carols contains a variety of carols - some familiar, some unfamiliar - arranged in Hopson's trademark majestic style, as well as an original setting of a medieval text. The traditional nine lessons have been updated by Mr. Hopson and reflect today's important linguistic considerations, such as inclusive language, natural poetic phrasing and clarity of thought. The service can be performed with organ alone, but the optional instrumentation offers a greater variety and color.