A Harmony of Spirit: The 45th Annual Lessons and Carols
December 11, 2025
On the morning of December 10, the atmosphere at The Episcopal School of Dallas shifted from its typical energetic hum to a space of profound communal reflection. The Competition Gym was expertly transformed into a sanctuary of sound and light and played host to the final formal chapel of 2025: the time-honored tradition of Lessons and Carols.
A Tradition Rooted in Excellence
Since its inception in 1980, Lessons and Carols has served as the cornerstone of the ESD holiday season. This beloved service unites our community—students in Grades 5-12, faculty, staff, and parents—to observe the season of Advent through a sophisticated blend of liturgy and artistry.
The service follows the traditional structure of nine "Lessons," or scripture readings, that trace the narrative of the season. These readings were delivered by a diverse group of voices, including middle and upper school students, alongside selected faculty and staff speakers, embodying the intellectual and spiritual curiosity that defines an ESD learner.
The rafters were filled with the soaring melodies of our middle and upper school choirs, as the community joined in familiar hymns of hope, peace, joy, and love.
As the final notes faded and the 2025 chapel season drew to a close, the sense of collective wonder was palpable. Lessons and Carols remains more than just a performance; it is a testament to ESD’s foundation—fostering a community where elite academic pursuit meets the joyful, humble spirit of the holiday season.
