The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music invites the communities of Gardner-Webb, Boiling Springs, and greater Cleveland County to the 2025 celebration of Festival of Lights. This beloved annual event features a joyful selection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites performed by our talented students and faculty.
Admission is $15.
The first 50 students to reserve their tickets through Linda Lee in the Department of Music ([email protected]) will receive free admission to the performance. Act fast to claim yours.
Share photos of your decorations, Christmas lights, and GWU spirit home for the holidays using #GWUfestivalOfLights
Welcome, Opening Prayer: Downs
Fiesta de Navidad: Orchestra / Sparti
Angels We Have Heard on High: Choirs, Orchestra / Cheney
Scripture 1 – Titus 2:11: Parrott
Christmastide: Webb Chorale / Johnson
O magnum mysterium: Webb Chorale/ Johnson
Hark! the herald angels sing: Audience, Choirs, Orchestra / Cheney
Sussex Carol: Choirs, Orchestra / Rice
Scripture 2 – Isaiah 9:6-7: Parrott
Greensleeves: Orchestra / Sparti
O Little Town of Bethlehem: Gardner Singers / Rice
That Old-Fashioned Christmas: Gardner Singers / Rice
Scripture 3 – Luke 1:1-7: Parrott
The First Nowell: Audience, Choirs, Orchestra / Cheney
This little babe: Concert Choir / Cheney
Gabriel’s Message: Concert Choir / Cheney
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Choirs / Rice
Silent Night: Choirs, Orchestra / Johnson
Scripture 4 – Luke 2:8-20: Parrott
Closing Prayer: Parrott
WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER – Dr. William M. Downs
CHRISTMAS EVE / SARAJEVP 12/24 (arr. Bob Phillips; 1953) – ORCHESTRA
NOEL (Brad Holmes; 1956) – CHOIRS
MICAH 5:2 -Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President for Christian Life and Service
DECK THE HALLS (IN 7/8) (James McKelvy; 1917-2003) – WEBB CHORALE
HOW GREAT OUR JOY! (Craig Courtney; b. 1948) – WEBB CHORALE
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL* (arr. David Wilcocks) – AUDIENCE, CHOIRS, ORCHESTRA
ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY (arr. Dan Forrest; b. 1978) – CHOIRS, ORCHESTRA
MATHEW 1:18–25 – Dr. Josh Parrot
OH HOLY NIGHT (arr. Calvin Custer; 1939-1998) – ORCHESTRA
GOIN’ TO BETHLEHEM (Jay Althouse; b. 1951) – GARDNER SINGERS
ADVENT – CRAIG COURTNEY
LUKE 2:1-7 – Dr. Josh Parrott
GOD REST YOU MERRY, GENTLEMEN* (arr. David Willcocks) – AUDIENCE, CHOIRS, ORCHESTRA
MAGNIFICAT (Joshua Cheney; b. 1987) – GRACE SCHIEFEN, CONDUCTOR
GAUDETE! (arr. Michael Engelhardt; b. 2952) – CONCERT CHOIRS
SILENT NIGHT (arr. Dan Forrest) – CHOIRS, ORCHESTRA
LUKE 2:8-20 – Dr. Josh Parrott
CLOSING PRAYER* – Dr. Josh Parrott
*Those who are able, please stand.
Watch Last Year’s Celebration
