Christmas at the Valley coming soon

By Meridyth Sanders ’21, staff writer

LVC’s music department prepares for one of the most attended events of the year as the holiday season grows near: Christmas at the Valley.

Christmas at the Valley is a concert held annually that emphasizes a traditional worship service in a format known as a “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” Scriptural readings interspersed with a variety of performances from LVC’s music department will illustrate the story of Jesus Christ.

“Even though some folks have been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now, our hope is that, for those in attendance, Christmas at the Valley will open their hearts to the Christmas season,” Dr. Zeuch, director of choral activities and assistant professor of music, said. “Not the season of shopping, baking and craziness, but the season of anticipation, reflection and love.”

Dr. Zeuch, as director of Christmas at the Valley, aims to perform more songs that include instruments and chamber choirs in this year’s performance than have been used in previous years.

“I’m excited to see how the addition of more musicians can add to the concert,” Zeuch said.

Much of the music performed this year will be familiar, traditional carols, but one song in particular will hopefully move the audience into the Christmas spirit.

“I am most excited about the piece “The Work of Christmas” by Dan Forrest, which we will sing toward the end of the concert,” Zeuch said. “The text of the piece explains that Christmas is not one day, but rather the start of what we must do after Christmas if we truly believe in the meaning of Christmas.”

Christmas at the Valley will be held on Dec. 2, with performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“This is my first year of this campus tradition, and I am thrilled to be a small part of such a long legacy,” Zeuch said. “The overall experience in planning and preparation has created much anticipation. I can’t wait for the first notes to ring throughout the chapel!”