Church of the Ascension invites the entire Fountain Hills community to the seventh annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Tickets are for sale in the parish office during the week and after all Masses. They will also be available at the door 45 minutes before the program begins.

The festival is a reminder that people are awaiting and looking to the coming of the Lord.

“Through Word and song, we are called to awake and to watch, to prepare and to expect, for our God will come and bring us into the radiance of His kingdom of glory,” said Father John McDonough, pastor of Ascension.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a tradition that began in Cambridge, England, in 1934. The lessons are readings from the Bible foretelling the coming of the Christ. The purpose of the service is “not to celebrate Christmas, but to expect it.”

Music Director Charles Szczepanek will conduct The Ascension Chorale. There will be a string quartet and carols for everyone to sing.

The program starts at 2 p.m. at the church, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. For further information, call the parish office at 480-837-1066.

Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit Circle the City, a Phoenix organization that provides for the unmet needs of homeless individuals, especially during times of illness.