Christmas Lessons & Carols

Eastern Mennonite University Music Department and Campus Ministries present a new annual tradition of Christmas Lessons & Carols: a classic service of lessons from Christian scriptures and music from the University Choir, Chamber Singers, Emulate Chamber Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and congregational singing. This service features the premiere of a choral piece from American composer, Gwyneth Walker.

Advent Hymn Sing – Matthew Hunsberger

Matthew Hunsberger takes us on a musical journey through the weeks of advent and Christmas in a single University Chapel.  Other participants include Brian Martin Burkholder (candle lighter); Elizabeth Resto and Anali Martin (readers); David Berry (piano); Sara Halteman (violin); and Katie Derstine, Ranene Schrock, Selah Shenk, and Jessica Hostetler (women’s vocal quartet).

“The End of Lament” – Andrea Dalton Saner

Dr. Andrea Dalton Saner, Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Language at EMS, addresses Chapel Gathering around Psalm 88 and Romans 8:18-39. Context: Romans 8 is not an Advent text, but perhaps it could be. Advent is a season of waiting–perhaps of groaning–and repenting, preparing ourselves to be awake and ready for the coming....

Christmas Chapel: “Who is this stranger here in our midst?” – Ken J. Nafziger & Heidi Winters Vogel

Hear special music, congregational singing, Scripture and readings featuring the EMU Chamber Singers and students from the theater program coordinated by Ken J. Nafziger, Professor of Music & Heidi Winters Vogel, Professor of Theater.  Chapel opens with the annual advent greeting video. “Who is this stranger in our midst?” comes from the song, Helpless and....