As the snow continues to fall and winter recess grows near, holiday festivities are ramping up on campus. Colgate University Church and the Office of the Chaplains invite all to attend the Festival of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Colgate Memorial Chapel.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols, a Christian worship service, tells the story of Jesus’ birth through Bible readings or “lessons,” Christmas carols, hymns and other songs by candlelight. The service is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
According to University Chaplain and Protestant Campus Minister Reverend Corey MacPherson, the celebration at Colgate has been around for so long that no one knows precisely when it began. Still, he can confirm that this event has been a part of some Raider’s holiday traditions for at least several decades.
MacPherson underscored the importance of community events such as Lessons and Carols for bringing people together before Colgate students, faculty and staff part ways for the winter recess.
He further appreciated how the Festival invites the greater Hamilton area to celebrate the holiday season. The event brings talent from all around Madison County and provides a great opportunity for Colgate students to engage in their faith.
“What makes Colgate University Church’s Lessons and Carols unique is that it is a true community celebration. Local artists and students perform, and pastors from across the area are invited to participate in leading the service. Last year, we introduced a community choir featuring members from various congregations and Colgate students to help lead the hymns,” MacPherson said.
Sophomore Ellie Chung, a member of the University Church Board, finds the Christmas festivities at the Chapel to be a highlight of her experience within the church community.
“Though it’s only been a year and a half since I’ve been a part of the church community on Colgate’s campus, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Christmas traditions in the chapel, especially our yearly [Festival of Lessons and Carols] service,” Chung said. “This time last year, we started setting up paper lanterns outside on the academic quad, allowing me to get to know some of my peers at church while also building the Christmas atmosphere.”
Chung also acknowledged the difficulty in navigating finals season at Colgate amid the holiday festivities. She advised balancing the stress that accompanies wrapping up the semester with anticipating and engaging in the joys of the holiday season.
“I feel like the finals season really interferes with the holiday spirit on campus, but attending the Christmas service where we hold candlesticks and enjoy carols reminds you that the holidays and the season of rest are nearby. I truly love our church community and how it never fails to make me feel at home, even during stressful occasions,” Chung said.
Junior Caleb Procaccini looks forward to the night celebrating the Christmas spirit.
“There will be time to connect with those in attendance on a more personal level over holiday cookies and light refreshments after the service,” Procaccini said. “We hope to continue growing this wonderful tradition and are excited to see everyone there.”
While the end of the semester grows near, all are welcome to attend the Festival of Lessons and Carols at the Colgate Chapel to get in the holiday spirit.
