WINONA LAKE – This year’s Christmas offering for Winona Lake’s Christmas in the Village is titled “Noel.”
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols features dozens of local singers and instrumentalists of all ages. Three identical performances will be available in Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake, on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Using the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols format of King's College in Cambridge, England, while incorporating modern, familiar and fresh renditions of Christmas music, this presentation will pull you into the Christmas story and put you in the holiday spirit, according to a provided news release. Adult, college and youth singers will be joined by musicians from the Symphony of the Lakes in this annual Christmas extravaganza.
The Christmas concert is a production of the Community Arts Program of Kosciusko County and will include local talent. The evening of familiar carols and seasonal favorites will feature Vocal Vision, Vocal Vision Youth, Vocal Vibes and the Lancer Chorus of Grace College. Musicians from the Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes and the Grace College String Ensemble will combine to fill the hall with Christmas spirit.
“Nine Lessons and Carols is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve in Cambridge, England,” stated Dr. Ardis Faber. “The Christmas story is framed within a larger narrative of redemption and conveys a message of hope, joy, and peace that starkly contrasts the chaos we experience today. This narrative is conveyed through a mix of Scripture readings, audience carols, and performances by choirs and instrumentalists.”
Faber continued, “Bishop Edward White Benson called the service of 1880 ‘Festal Service for Christmas Eve.’ Using Benson’s service format, Dean Eric Milner-White of King’s College in Cambridge, England, planned a service for Christmas Eve in 1918. This simple service of hope and healing was created shortly before the end of World War I for the people who were suffering and grieving the loss of family and friends in the war. The service was ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ that we know today — 100-plus years later!”
Dr. Judie Meulink, Community Arts Program Youth Program artistic director, said, “Vocal Vision Youth is excited about sharing one of our favorite Christmas tunes: Come and See! This upbeat song describes the entire Christmas story and invites the audience to ‘Come and see’ for yourselves.”
Faber said, “As we enter the season of Christmas, our program will deliver the message of hope and salvation in the coming of our Savior. Our gift of music is given so that all may hear the word and experience the joy of Christmas anew.”
Tickets may be purchased at www.capwarsaw.com. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior-aged adults and students, and children 5 and under are free.