By Jaclyn Hetzler

Alumni Chapel is packed with students, families, staff and administrators. Campus buildings are adorned with wreaths, ribbons and white lights. Crowds of people gather on a late Friday December afternoon. What is going on?

The Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, of course. This past Friday, December 5^th, the Loyola Chapel Choir performed its premier concert of the academic year. For months, the choir has been rehearsing multiple times weekly to prepare for this special campus tradition. Inside Alumni Chapel, Event Services and Campus Ministry decorated with holly wreaths, ribbons, candles and a Christmas tree. The low-lit atmosphere provided a warm and welcoming environment for all to come and celebrate the wonders of the Advent Season. The event began at 5 p.m., however the chapel began to fill with people as early as 3:30. Representatives of SGA and the sophomore class government were present, making the final preparations for Presence for Christmas - a program allowing students to sponsor inner-city families, providing them with presents to open during an economically difficult holiday season. Members of student government distributed presents to audience members before the concert began, asking them to place the presents under the tree when the choir director cued them.

After waiting for many over an hour in the pews, the Chapel Choir processed into the Chapel, singing the hymnal, “Once in Royal David’s City.” The choir members, dressed in black and surrounded by candlelight, looked peaceful and intent on performing their best.

“My favorite part was when we processed in and began singing,” said Kevin Paul, a sophomore bass member of the choir. “It was an amazing feeling, and it is truly some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear in your life.”

Once the choir was settled on the risers, the concert officially began. In the programs, the order of the evening was listed. Readings from the Bible, songs from the choir and speeches from various Loyola community members, including President Brian Linnane, S.J., were given. Between the powerful Bible readings and accompanying choir songs, the Loyola Handbell Choir performed an elaborate rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Among the members were Colin Boyan and Laura Borowski, both 2009-2010 Campus Ministry Interns.

Kristin McGinn, a sophomore who attended the concert, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “My favorite part of Lessons and Carols was actually the handbell choir,” she said. “The achieved a great task in their performance, and the repertoire was difficult. It was all-around a beautiful performance.”

After six lessons had been recited, Chapel Choir Director George Miller invited those with presents to place them under the Christmas tree. Audience members of all ages lined up in the center aisle, bringing forth their presents with SGA members' assistance.

“It was really a beautiful moment,” said Samantha Hayes, a freshman audience member. “This was my first time attending Lessons and Carols, and it just gave me chills the entire time. The generosity shows what the Christmas season is really all about.”

From 5 to 7 p.m., the chapel was filled with joy, music, prayer, hope and inspiration. Crowds left the chapel with a renewed spirit, reflecting with with one another on the event they just experienced.

“Lessons and Carols is a great way to fill everyone with the Christmas spirit,” reiterated McGinn. “I can’t wait to go again next year!”

Photo Credit - http://www.loyola.edu/undergraduate/student-life/lessonsandcarols.aspx