Advent Season at Messiah College
Traditions are Carried On
Elizabeth Stevens
Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: News
Although Messiah College added the song "Angels We Have Heard on High" to the program, the Celebration of the Light maintains its traditionalism.
The Christmas Concert, held on December 7 this year, is also an advent tradition at Messiah College. It included performances from the Women's Ensemble, Men's Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir, Brass Quintets, and Concert Choir. They performed classic pieces such as, "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and renditions of traditional pieces such as "Adeste Fideles" and "African Noel."
John Wolgemuth, a junior engineering major, is a member of both the Men's Ensemble and the Concert Choir. He sang in all the pieces mentioned above. Wolgemuth says that his "favorite piece is 'Thou Shalt Know Him' because of the tight harmonies."
Messiah College's past and present emphasis on the advent season is also carried on by publications. Messiah College published an anthology of Advent devotionals entitled Treasures of the Heart.
According to Kim Phipps, the anthology is "filled with engaging stories, memories, and thoughtful reflections intended to enrich your Advent season."
Telfer comments on celebrating advent on a college campus. "It's interesting to have advent in the context of a semester," says Telfer. "Finals, weight, pressure…it's hard to appreciate Christmas. It's that contrast that is exactly what advent is about: waiting for God in the midst of a situation that's not perfect."
The Christmas Concert, held on December 7 this year, is also an advent tradition at Messiah College. It included performances from the Women's Ensemble, Men's Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir, Brass Quintets, and Concert Choir. They performed classic pieces such as, "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and renditions of traditional pieces such as "Adeste Fideles" and "African Noel."
John Wolgemuth, a junior engineering major, is a member of both the Men's Ensemble and the Concert Choir. He sang in all the pieces mentioned above. Wolgemuth says that his "favorite piece is 'Thou Shalt Know Him' because of the tight harmonies."
Messiah College's past and present emphasis on the advent season is also carried on by publications. Messiah College published an anthology of Advent devotionals entitled Treasures of the Heart.
According to Kim Phipps, the anthology is "filled with engaging stories, memories, and thoughtful reflections intended to enrich your Advent season."
Telfer comments on celebrating advent on a college campus. "It's interesting to have advent in the context of a semester," says Telfer. "Finals, weight, pressure…it's hard to appreciate Christmas. It's that contrast that is exactly what advent is about: waiting for God in the midst of a situation that's not perfect."
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