LEWISTON — A service of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The service tells the story of the promise of the Messiah, as told in nine short Bible readings from the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Advent carols, hymns and choir music.

The format is based on an Order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for use on Christmas Eve, 1880. Tradition says that he organized a 10 p.m. service on Christmas Eve in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral and that a key purpose of the service was to keep men out of pubs on Christmas Eve.

The music will be provided by the Saint Cecilia Schola Cantorum, the Prince of Peace Children’s choir, and the Prince of Peace handbell choir. Along with traditional Advent and Christmas carols, the service will include music by Arvo Pärt, Adolphe Adam, Urmas Sisask and others.