Although most of the Christmas music performed during the holiday season was originally intended for church services, in these secular times music lovers tend to hear this repertory in concert settings. A felicitous compromise is the Service of Lessons and Carols, an English invention that simply alternates seasonal music and Biblical readings like a very tall club sandwich with only a garnish of ritual—a couple of perfunctory prayers and a benediction. This style of service provides the advantage off giving the audience a chance to join in singing several carols with the stirring addition of a trained choir to bolster…