The 66th Feast of Lights Focuses on True Meaning of Christmas

This year marked the 66th in a longstanding tradition by the University of Redlands, aimed at celebrating the season, spirit and meaning of Christmas. The 66th annual Feast of Lights event was held last weekend at the university's Memorial Chapel. An area staple since 1942, the Feast of Lights has become one of the university's most popular traditions and has been recognized nationwide. It serves as a service of worship, where the nativity story is retold through creative means, including dramatization, spoken word, tableau, song and instrumentals. The Feast of Lights retells the Christian story of the birth of Jesus and celebrates his birth. As event leaders explained, "[Christmas] is not about the presents or money but about love, charity and the celebration of the Messiah's birth." John Honor was a newcomer to the show this year and summed up the weekend-long event as, "Outstanding." Adam Gonser was there to support his girlfriend, Alexandra Bidwell, who performed as a madrigal singer. "It was wonderful," Gonser said. "The orchestra and choir together were fantastic." The Feast of Lights was separated in four parts: The Preparation (representing season of advent), The Birth of the Messiah (representing the season of Christmas), The Rejoicing (representing the season of joy), The Ceremony of Candle Lighting (representing the season epiphany), and The Procession of Adoration, with an intermission after the The Birth of the Messiah and before The Rejoicing. Throughout the feast the audience was encouraged to engage and participate, with the performance often inviting the congregation to sing along to hymns. The Feast of Lights had a focal point from which much of the textual and spiritual themes derived — words and songs selected pertained to various Christian teachings, including those of the prophet Isaiah and narratives from the Gospel of Luke. John Walsh, the chaplain and narrator of the Feast of Lights and a religious studies professor at the University of Redlands, said he felt "it is amazing being able to celebrate and share the true meaning of Christmas with the community through spiritual themes." A moving part of the event was when the lights dimmed and the congregation stood as the choir and musicians performed The First Noel, arranged by Mack Wilberg. As the Feast of Lights came to an end the congregation was invited to sing Silent Night in a version arranged by John Rutter. Many audience members said they were "touched" by the performances, made possible by the dozens of actors, professors and mentors who worked to bring it together. Performers rehearsed regularly for weeks, working with event organizers in an effort to give what they hoped were "profound" performances. Chase Nissen, a sophomore at the University of Redlands who served as a percussionist, said, "Its a lot of work. There's a lot of practicing to be done. The rehearsals are generally three hours or so but its all very rewarding and its a great experience." "Getting to experience it all with the students is wonderful," said Nicholle Andrews, director and choral instructor of the Feast of Lights. "The students take such pride in what they do and take ownership of the celebration, which is really exciting."