Moravian 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 Moravian 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 Moravian candlelight worship services on five evenings in December where we will join others through an exclusive, invitation-only live viewing party. Music performed by Moravian students, in concert with the choir and musical ensembles, ushers in the holiday season for the Moravian community.
Please note: As part of the campus-wide safety protocols in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Moravian 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 Moravian Church, the Singstunde and the Candlelight Service. A Moravian Singstunde (Singing Hour) is a service of music with no preaching. Since the 1720s, Moravians 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 Moravian candlelight service originated in 1747 in Marienborn, Germany, when candles with red trimming were distributed at the children’s Christmas service. Bethlehem’s first candle service was in 1756.
The beloved hymn “Morning Star,” traditionally sung with a child soloist, was composed in 1836 by Francis Florentine Hagen, a member of the Moravian Theological Seminary Class of 1835.
Moravian 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 Moravian University.