Christmas Card to the Community

On December 10th and 11th, “Christmas

Card” was hosted in the College of the Ozark’s Williams Memorial Chapel. People gathered together from both campus and community to worship our Savior and celebrate His birth. People young and old joined voices, filling the decorated Chapel with songs of Christmas.

The evening began with a joyous song called “Carole Fanfare,” performed by the C of O Chamber Orchestra. The piece itself was written by our very own Dr. Luke Carlson, a music professor at College of the Ozarks. The next piece was “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” which was a joint piece performed between the Orchestra, Handbells, and combined choirs. As the brass fanfare began, the choir processed in with purpose, marching to their appointed spot. 

As the evening progressed, students read passages from the Christmas story. In addition, the congregation stood and lifted their hearts in worship as they sang familiar carols such as, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The Chapel Choir sang a rendition of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” composed by their director, Dr. John Cornish. As the choir concluded, School of the Ozark’s lower school sang a piece called, “Gloria.”

A touching rendition of “O Holy Night” was also performed, featuring soloist Josiah Mullins. Following this piece, Madeline Clem sang the recitatives preceding the large choral work, “Glory to God,” written by Handel.

The audience listened with hushed attention as the Handbell Choir performed a Christmas medley. The mood soon changed to a lively beat when Chorale performed, “De King is Born,” a Jamaican style Christmas song with maracas and an island beat. The choir moved with the music, engaging the audience with lively expressions.

As the sweet strains of “Silent Night” wafted up to the lofty ceiling, soft voices filled the air as candles were lit across the Chapel. One by one, the candles were lit, illuminating the Chapel with a warm, soft glow. A reception of cookies and fruitcake made for the perfect ending of the Christmas worship service.