HPU Shines a Light During Christmas Season at Lessons and Carols Service

The light of nearly 350 candles held by members of the High Point University community filled Hayworth Chapel on Dec. 7 during the annual “Lessons and Carols” Candlelight Service.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 8, 2022 – The light of nearly 350 candles held by members of the High Point University community filled Hayworth Chapel on Dec. 7 during the annual “Lessons and Carols” Candlelight Service. The Christmas event is a special time of sharing the Christmas story through readings and songs.

Based on the traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols at King’s College in Cambridge, England, the service featured members of the university community, including the Chapel Choir, directed by Dr. Carol Earnhardt. In addition to the Chapel Choir, students led the congregation in carols.

Students, faculty, staff and city of High Point community members also delivered readings from scripture between the singing of carols throughout the evening.

“It’s fitting that our last service of the semester be Lessons and Carols, which brings out the arching message of scripture, from creation to the birth of Christ making a home with humanity,” said Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, minister to the university. “For me, as minister of this community, when I see the faces of students and colleagues lit with candlelight during the final singing of ‘Silent Night,’ I’m further convinced of scripture’s radical claim, ‘that nothing can separate us from the love of God.’”

The service also highlighted the semester-long efforts by the Board of Stewards to raise more than $10,000 to support 100 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.

Find more of HPU’s Weekly Chapel services on Instagram by clicking here.