Christmas remains one of the most dearly-loved seasons of the year at Magdalen College in the northeast. Neither the cold New Hampshire winter winds nor impending exams dampen the joy with which the college community approaches the feast of our Lord’s nativity. Throughout Advent, the campus breathes the spirit of quiet expectation, prayerful hope, and joyful giving. From the first lighting of the Advent wreath to the final carols sung around the college Christmas tree, students and faculty, staff and friends find this a special time to be at Magdalen.
During Advent the prayer life on campus is marked with a solemnity and joy, which culminates in a unique Evening Prayer Service on the eve of the students’ departure home for Christmas. Guests from the community join faculty, staff and students in prayers and song anticipating the Christ Child’s silent entrance into the world “at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold” (St. Andrew’s Christmas Novena). After a quiet walk from chapel, everyone gathers in St. Paul’s Auditorium for the blessing of the Christmas tree and creche, and carols around the piano. The evening concludes with students returning for private celebrations in each of the residence halls.
The richness of the Advent season at Magdalen extends beyond the preparations and festivities within the college community to embrace the community at large. In the early weeks of December, students help to decorate Warner town hall for the annual Festival of Trees. The College Performance Choir sings at the lighting ceremony of the town Christmas tree and later in the week offers entertainment for the Warner Men’s Club holiday dinner, held in the college dining hall. This yearly exchange of Christmas spirit between the college and town has nurtured many friendships among students and community residents and makes Christmas at Magdalen a cherished memory for everyone.
(For more information about Magdalen College, the Advent Evening Prayer Service, or to purchase On Jordan’s Bank, a recording of Advent music performed by the College Choir, please contact Sarah Jane von Haack, Assistant Director of Public Relations toll-free at 1-877-498-1723.)