The choir enters the chapel holding lit candles and singing “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” Everett said the flickering illumination in the auditorium is as meaningful as it is breathtaking to see.
“The use of light, the whole idea of light shattering the darkness, is such a beautiful picture,” she said. “Every time I have done this type of service, I always try to emphasize the lesson of Jesus as the light of the world. The choir holding the candles demonstrates that darkness cannot stay where the light is. I think it’s very purposeful, and it’s the final lesson of the service.
“In keeping with our tradition, we will continue using the candles, and we’ll add a few things to the service as well.”
For the first time, the Choctaw Chorus and a few MC faculty and staff will join the MC Singers for three songs, expanding the field of vocalists.
“We hope to grow our participation,” Everett said. “We call ourselves Choral Activities, and we would like to be viewed as one choral family rather than separate choirs. We hope more faculty and staff will join us in the future.”
She said Robert Knupp, professor of music, will also treat attendees to wonderful organ music, and two selections will feature students playing instruments.
“The audience will get a snapshot of the rich talent we have among our instrumentalists in the Music Department as well,” she said.
Everett said the holiday season provides an excellent opportunity to share the good news of Christ through performances like the Festival of Lights.
“This is the time when someone who may be searching for light in their own lives can walk into any church service and know they are going to hear beautiful music and find encouragement,” she said. “They will hear that Jesus is the light of the world and that if they need that light in their own lives, they can find it.
“I often tell the choir, you never know who might be in the audience and how what we do might reach that person. This is not just a performance for us; it is truly a time to worship together.”
General admission tickets for the Festival of Lights cost $15 each for adults, and $5 each for MC faculty and staff or students from any school. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
