Hillsdale College Hosts Lessons and Carols Christmas Service

The service featured Scripture readings, choral masterworks, and Christmas carols.

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HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Chapel Choir, directed by Associate Professor of Music Timothy McDonnell, presented its annual Advent Lessons and Carols service on Dec. 8 in Christ Chapel. The service featured readings from Scripture, choral masterworks performed by the Chapel Choir, and congregational Christmas carols. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community attended.

“As we celebrate the Christmas season, this service is a beautiful way to remember the gift of our Savior,” said Chaplain Adam Rick. “We are grateful to share this special time of worship and reflection with our community.”

“As we celebrate the Christmas season, this service is a beautiful way to remember the gift of our Savior.”

The service “Nine Lessons & Carols” was drafted at the end of the nineteenth century. It tells the story of salvation, from creation to the birth of Christ, in nine short readings from Scripture. Each reading is followed by a praise response in the form of a choral or congregational carol. The service has become popular around the world, thanks largely to King’s College Cambridge, which has broadcasted its service live every Christmas Eve since 1928.

Between Scripture readings by faculty, staff, and students, the Chapel Choir performed several songs and led the congregation in singing familiar carols including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” The service began and ended with prayers.

For photos from the service, click here. To learn more about the Sacred Music Program at Hillsdale College, click here. For photos of previous performances in Christ Chapel, click here. For photos of Christ Chapel, click here. For photos of Hillsdale College, click here.

For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 7.5 million. For more information, visit hillsdale.edu.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Emily Stack Davis
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517-803-3745 (cell)
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For all other inquiries contact Hillsdale College at 517-437-7341.