Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts will present its annual Service of Lessons and Carols this Sunday at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Church in Brownwood. The service includes Scripture readings about the prophecies and coming of Christ and music that reflects on the passages being read.

HPU faculty members will read the Scriptures and the university’s Heritage Singers will perform the musical selections with Dr. Allen Reed, professor of music, accompanying.

The event is based on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, first held on Christmas Eve 1918. The service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, has broadcast annually. In the United States, the service airs on approximately 300 radio stations.

The university’s Heritage Singers are under the direction of Dr. Monte Garrett, professor of music and director of choral activities.

“The Service of Lessons and Carols is a great way to usher in the Christmas season,” said Dr. Garrett. “We invite the community to join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through Scripture readings and music.”

St. John’s Church is located at 700 Main Street in Brownwood. For more information about the event, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at (325) 649-8500.