Muskingum Presents Christmas Festival

Muskingum University presented its 2024 Christmas Festival on Friday, December 6, in Brown Chapel.

The festival featured The Light of Hope Returning, a Solstice "folk oratorio" by Shawn Kirchner. The oratorio was performed by Muskingum's Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble, and included inspirational readings.

"The Light of Hope Returning can be described as a Christmas "Lessons and Carols" service or a Solstice folk oratorio," explained University Chaplain Rev. Derek Wadlington. "It draws from a centuries-old midwinter tradition of festive gatherings - pageants, services, and caroling - through which we mark the year's 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's), and the profound themes of birth and renewal (Christmas)."

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