A wonderful Advent event that Nan and I have enjoyed for years is the Lessons and Carols celebration in Twichell Auditorium on the campus of Converse College. Our archivist, Dr. Jeff Willis, says that we have been performing this program since 1900, surely some kind of record as Wikipedia tells readers that “Groton School in Massachusetts has performed the festival longer than any institution other than King’s College in Cambridge, England, holding its first Lessons and Carols in 1928.”

In any event, this Christmas performance features nine lessons celebrating the birth of Jesus: readings from Genesis to John interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music featuring Converse students and the fantastic School of Music faculty. It is an inspiring, beautiful service, which usually ends with EVERYONE singing “Silent Night” as the lights are gradually dimmed to the point of darkness.

This year the program is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at 8:00 pm. It is free and open to the public. Why not join us for a truly inspiring and uplifting Advent celebration? You may find it just the start for the Advent season you’ve been looking for.

Tom McDaniel

About the Contributor

Dr. Tom McDaniel recently retired from Converse College where he was Professor of Education and Senior Vice-President. He is continuing to teach as a Professor Emeritus in Education. At First Presbyterian, he has served as an Elder and as Chair of the Weekday School Committee. He is entering his 45th year of teaching the Fellowship Sunday School Class. With his wife, Nan, he leads the Tuesday/Thursday noontime adult study groups.