天涯海角APP

天涯海角APP University presented its 2024 Christmas Festival on Friday, December 6, in Brown Chapel.

The festival featured The Light of Hope Returning, a Solstice 鈥渇olk oratorio鈥� by Shawn Kirchner. The oratorio was performed by 天涯海角APP鈥檚 Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble, and included inspirational readings.

鈥�The Light of Hope Returning can be described as a Christmas 鈥淟essons and Carols鈥� service or a Solstice folk oratorio,鈥� explained University Chaplain Rev. Derek Wadlington. 鈥淚t draws from a centuries-old midwinter tradition of festive gatherings 鈥� pageants, services, and caroling 鈥� through which we mark the year鈥檚 passage, lift our spirits, renew our bonds, and re-center our priorities in community and faith. This work invites us to contemplate the momentum of God within us, mirrored in the eternal cycles celebrated during midwinter: the cycle of seasons (Solstice), the turning of the year (New Year鈥檚), and the profound themes of birth and renewal (Christmas).鈥�

The evening closed with the traditional passing of candlelight and audience sing-along of Silent Night.