Lessons and Carols 2024
It has been announced that Lessons and Carols has been cancelled due to weather complications. The Wooster community would have gathered in the James Marshall Chapel on Friday for the annual event, which is a tradition where everyone celebrates the holiday season through both music provided by students and readings.
Mr. Reynolds, who organized the celebration, reflected on the planning process this year. This was his first year coordinating the event, and he noted that while he was unfamiliar with the tradition, he was enjoying learning its history and meaning. In terms of any possible challenges with the event itself, he mentioned the only thing that would take a bit more effort was with the event setup, which is manually moving parts of the stage gear so that everything is in order for the event. He also mentioned that he had considered small additions for this year, such as including an Advent wreath to add a new visual element to the service in inspiration of recent chaplain presentations. Despite the small setup issues, Mr. Reynolds said that he enjoyed getting to know the service and connecting the scripture readings with the music. And despite the event having been canceled, he highlighted the sense of getting to organize an event he is new to.
“It’s been fun getting to know the event because it seems like a very cozy, meaningful service,” Mr. Reynolds said.
With its combination of student performances and thoughtful readings, the inviting atmosphere of the chapel, and the event itself would offer attendees a chance to pause and reflect during the busy holiday season.
He had also covered the evolution of the event itself. Historically, the service was more formal, where the Danbury priests at the time, as some of the townsfolk could gather and partake in communion, but over time, this event, while becoming more primarily focused on the Wooster community, has grown to be more inclusive in terms of welcoming other faiths.
Lessons and Carols typically offers an opportunity for shared reflection and a communal celebration.
“It’s something that's really nice to do as a community that we are missing in the world in general,” Mr. Reynolds said.
Yet at the center of the celebration is fostering that connection and belonging, as the service would normally encourage people of all ages and religious backgrounds to participate.
Mr. Reynolds did have hopes for what the service would have left attendees with, as similar opportunities for reflection may return in the spring.
“[Lessons and Carols has a] message of hope and peace and loving and belonging,” Mr. Reynolds said. “This service does a really good job of doing that.”
Despite the shifting service traditions throughout the years, this event remains an essential part of the Wooster holiday tradition and illuminates our school’s values.
Sarah '28
Journalism Student
