So this Christmas, St Saviour’s is holding a special and beautiful service with three choirs singing the Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 18 at 6pm. 

“This service began in Kings College, Cambridge in 1918 and was revised the following year, so that each year a new carol is introduced to keep it fresh,” Canon Anne Wentzel said. 

“It is only one year away from the centenary of it. It has run continuously since 1918. Many Cathedrals around the world feature it, following in the Kings College tradition. It has always been held here at St Saviour's and it always begins with Once in Royal David's City with a single cantor carrying a candle to move up from darkness into light. up the aisle.” 

“The Nine Lessons work through the Old and New Testaments to tell of the prophecy and arrival of the Messiah. It goes back to the idea that the Son is begotten and he is there for all time, that he is the Messiah, who will guide his people. 

“It is like a mystery unfolding and we are part of the mystery when we celebrate the birth of Jesus in our hearts at Christmas.”

Canon Anne Wentzel said this year the readings will be read in four different languages - English, Indonesian, Arabic and French (with English translations) - working with the Goulburn Multicultural Centre.

“Lots of people in the city speak these languages now and it would be a shame to leave them out of the service. We want them to feel that we all belong to the one God,” she said. 

She said this year the Cathedral has also joined with the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium, who are providing two choirs, The Community Choir and the Contable Choir. The children’s Alegro String Ensemble is also taking part. 

“These choirs will be interspersed with our own Cathedral Choir and will launch a new carol provided by Australian composer Colin Brumby called Gentle Mary Laid her Child. The accompaniment is being played on the beautiful St Saviour's organ by Robert Smith.” 

Canon Anne has been in Goulburn for one month now and was previously the Dean of Bathurst. 

“I came to the city’s 150th birthday as the Dean of Bathurst. I was Dean there for six years. I look forward to becoming part of the community here,” she said. 

A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is being held at St Saviour’s Cathedral on December 18 from 6pm. This service is open to all people of all denominations and faiths.