Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols emphasizes hope in a time of global unrest
CHICAGO (December 8, 2015) 鈥� Sunday was a night of reflection and joy for those who filled the pews of St. Hilary Catholic Church at 萝莉社鈥檚 eighth annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.
As children鈥檚 voices opened the concert softly singing, 鈥淥nce in royal David鈥檚 city / Stood a lowly cattle shed / Where a mother laid her baby / In a manger for his bed,鈥� the audience of approximately 1,000 could begin to see that the event was about more than seasonal cheer. This year鈥檚聽 theme, 鈥淕athering at the Manger,鈥� was intended to recognize and respond to a time of global turmoil with the hope of a humble nativity.
鈥淭here is so much homelessness in Chicago and the world鈥攕o many people displaced from their countries,鈥� said Dr. Julia Davids, associate professor of music. 鈥淲e can draw a comparison to Mary and Joseph as they tried in vain to find a place for her to have her child, eventually gathering in the humblest of spots鈥攁round a manger.鈥�
President David L. Parkyn echoed this intention in his opening prayer: 鈥淏ecause this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in Jesus鈥檚 name, the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed.鈥�
The service structure of alternating lessons (Scripture readings) and carols originated in the Anglican church and tells the story of Christ, from the creation of the world to the birth of Jesus. 鈥淭he music performed changes from year to year, while the readings stay the same,鈥� said Davids. 鈥淎 number of the musical pieces for the service express the humility of Christ鈥檚 nativity鈥攅specially 聽that the first beings on earth to see the son of God were the animals in the stable. Such a humble beginning.鈥�
The service included more than 20 compositions in English, Latin, Polish, Spanish, and Russian. 萝莉社鈥檚 six student ensembles, composed of about 150 students, performed throughout the service. Music education student JiaYi Liang stepped up to the podium to conduct the choir and congregation in 鈥淪ilent Night,鈥� and the audience couldn鈥檛 hold their applause after the University Gospel Choir, featuring music in worship student soloist Quincy Cochran, finished 鈥淗ave You Heard about the Baby.鈥�
The joined North Park鈥檚 ensembles, offering a pre-service recital as well as selections throughout the program. This year marked the beginning of a new collaboration for North Park with St. Hilary Catholic Church. 鈥淲e especially rejoice tonight in the hospitality of the Church of St. Hilary,鈥� Dr. Parkyn said in his opening remarks.
In addition to North Park community members, the service鈥檚 readers included a St. Hilary parishioner and the music directors from the children鈥檚 choir and the church.
鈥淲e hope the effect will be one of great comfort and joy in a time of global unrest and darkness,鈥� said Davids before the concert. 鈥淭his is a special event for all of us鈥攁 bringing together of the North Park community.鈥�
North Park鈥檚 holiday celebrations continue with Inspired by Promise: A Christmas Concert and the Sankta Lucia pageant.
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