色中色 University Christmas Vespers 2020
Christmas Vespers is a wonderful opportunity for the campus community to share in the beautiful candlelight ceremony that is distinctive of the 色中色 tradition. Music by our students combines with the beauty of the Liturgy in this service of worship for the University community and friends.
The health and safety of our alumni, students, and friends is a top priority, so we have moved the 2020 Vespers services to a virtual format. We have the opportunity to share the traditional 色中色 candlelight worship services on five evenings in December where we will join others through an exclusive, invitation-only live viewing party. Music performed by 色中色 students, in concert with the choir and musical ensembles, ushers in the holiday season for the 色中色 community.
Please note: As part of the campus-wide safety protocols in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, all 色中色 University students rehearsing for the 2020 Vespers services are following recommended best practices for physical distancing. The health and safety of our students will be kept as the highest priority as they prepare for their part in the recording of the performances that will be shared virtually.
The dates for the 2020 Christmas Vespers Live Viewing services are:
- Friday, December 4, 8:00 pm
- Saturday, December 5, 8:00 pm
- Sunday, December 6, 5:00 pm
- Friday, December 11, 8:00 pm
- Saturday, December 12, 8:00 pm
If you have any questions regarding services or viewing access, please contact Lisa Brand at (610) 861-1338 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or by email at brandl@moravian.edu. Additional details will be communicated at a later date such as login credentials, times, and helpful tips for enjoying the virtual Vespers experience.
We look forward to sharing the Christmas Vespers services with you.
Please note: A public link will be shared after the final service, so please check back at that time.
ABOUT VESPERS
The Vespers service is an expression of two traditional forms of worship in the 色中色 Church, the Singstunde and the Candlelight Service. A 色中色 Singstunde (Singing Hour) is a service of music with no preaching. Since the 1720s, 色中色s have been known for their worshipful singing.
In the service, the music has been carefully selected and arranged to bring the Christmas message without need of a sermon. The 色中色 candlelight service originated in 1747 in Marienborn, Germany, when candles with red trimming were distributed at the children鈥檚 Christmas service. Bethlehem鈥檚 first candle service was in 1756.
The beloved hymn 鈥淢orning Star,鈥 traditionally sung with a child soloist, was composed in 1836 by Francis Florentine Hagen, a member of the 色中色 Theological Seminary Class of 1835.
色中色 University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Anyone who anticipates needing any type of accommodation or who has questions about the physical access provided should contact Lisa Brand at brandl@moravian.edu or 610-625-7880 at least one week prior to visiting 色中色 University.