A Festival of Lessons andCarols
a candlelight christmas concert
with the
Manhattan University Singers and Manhattan University Orchestra
Rev. Robert Joerger, C.P., AFSC, University Chaplain
Andrew Bauer, Director of Performing Arts
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers
welcome to manhattan university
Thank you for joining the Manhattan University community in celebration of the coming Christmas season. A Festival of Lessons and Carols was developed as a prayer service to celebrate the birth of our Lord with scripture and song. Our program has been adapted from the traditional format and is presented for a contemporary community.
Please silence all electronic devices. We sincerely hope today’s service will fill you with the joy and peace of the coming season.
Please join our Jazz Band in Smith Auditorium immediately following the concert. Light refreshments will be served.
Prelude Music
Manhattan University Singers Chamber Choir
Jingle Bell Rock ................................................. arranged by Alan Billingsley
Let It Snow................................................................ arranged by Mark Hayes
Sleigh Ride ..................................................................arranged by Andy Beck
Manhattan University Music Ministry
Angels We Have Heard On High ......................... arranged by Peter Anglea
Manhattan University Orchestra
In the Bleak Midwinter ....................................... Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
Sarabande, from English Suite No. 4 ...................... J.S. Bach (1685-1750) arranged by Gerrard Williams (1888-1947)
Prelude, from English Suite No. 3 ................................................... J.S. Bach arranged by Gerrard Williams
Order of Service
Please stand.
Processional for Christmas ................................................ Benjamin Harlan
Opening Prayer .......................................................... Rev. Edward Beck, C.P.
Please be seated.
First Lesson .................. Isaiah 9:1-6, read by Jehudiel Chosmiel Mbolo ’27
Kyrie (from Missa Brevis, K. 275) ....................Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Second Lesson ...................... “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry read by Gerarda Shields, Ph.D.
Gloria (from Missa Brevis, K. 275) .................Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Third Lesson .............. Isaiah 11:1-10, read by Sara Allen and Selma Raven Founders of Friendly Fridge Bx
This Child Shall Be Our Peace ................................................... Molly Ijames
Fourth Lesson ........................................ Luke 1:26-38, read by Sandra Cruz
Cantate Domino ............................................................................ Mark Hayes
Fifth Lesson ............................. “The Winter of Listening” by David Whyte read by Mark Pottinger, Ph.D.
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol ................................................................... John Rutter
Sixth Lesson.................... Luke 6:1-19, read by Br. Augustine Nicoletti, FSC
O Holy Night ............................................................................. Adolphe Adam arranged by Rene Clausen
Reflection ................................................................ Reverend Andrea Raynor
Please stand.
Andante Festivo ............................................................................ Jean Sibelius arranged by José Ramón Hernández Bellido
Silent Night, Night of Silence ................................................... Franz Gruber Daniel Kantor
Seventh Lesson ............. Matthew 2:1-12, read by Frederick Bonato, Ph.D.
Hallelujah Chorus (from the Messiah) ................. George Frideric Handel
Closing Prayer .......................................................... Rev. Robert Joerger, C.P.
Hodie Christus Natus Est .................................................... Michael Bedford
