There will be three performances of Noel at the Rodeheaver Auditorium. Photo provided.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — This year’s Christmas offering for Winona Lake’s Christmas in the Village is entitled “Noel.”

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols features dozens of local singers and instrumentalists of all ages. Three identical performances will be available in the Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Ave., at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

Experience the Christmas story like never have before. Using the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols format of King’s College in Cambridge, England while incorporating modern, familiar and fresh renditions of Christmas music, this presentation will pull you into the Christmas story and put you in the holiday spirit. Adult, college and youth singers will be joined by musicians from the Symphony of the Lakes in this annual Christmas extravaganza.

The Christmas concert is a production of the Community Arts Program of Kosciusko County and will include exceptional local talent. The evening of familiar carols and seasonal favorites will feature Vocal Vision, Vocal Vision Youth, Vocal Vibes and the Lancer Chorus of Grace College. Musicians from the Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes and the Grace College String Ensemble will combine to fill the hall with Christmas spirit.

“Nine Lessons and Carols is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve in Cambridge, England,” stated Dr. Ardis Faber. “The Christmas story is framed within a larger narrative of redemption and conveys a message of hope, joy and peace that starkly contrasts the chaos we experience today. This narrative is conveyed through a mix of Scripture readings, audience carols and performances by choirs and instrumentalists.”

Faber continues, “Bishop Edward White Benson called the service of 1880 ‘Festal Service for Christmas Eve.’ Using Benson’s service format, Dean Eric Milner-White of King’s College in Cambridge, England, planned a service for Christmas Eve in 1918. This simple service of hope and healing was created shortly before the end of World War I for the people who were suffering and grieving the loss of family and friends in the war. The service was “Nine Lessons and Carols” that we know today — 100+ years later!”

Dr. Judie Meulink, Community Arts Program Youth Program Artistic Director, commented, “Vocal Vision Youth is excited about sharing one of our favorite Christmas tunes: Come and See! This upbeat song describes the entire Christmas story and invites the audience to ‘Come and see’ for yourselves.”

Community Arts Program Vocal Vision Artistic Director Faber summarized, “As we enter the season of Christmas, our program will deliver the message of hope and salvation in the coming of our Savior. Our gift of music is given so that all may hear the word and experience the joy of Christmas anew.”

Tickets may be purchased at capwarsaw.com. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior-aged adults and students, and children 5 and under are free.

Christmas in the Village: Noel presents seasonal music to the community. The performance will feature the Nine Lessons and Carols with spoken lessons and seasonal songs to lift the spirits and mark the beginning of the Christmas season.