Coe Christmas event a meaningful celebration

I attended the Coe College Christmas Convocation on Dec. 3 and it was wonderful. What a special observance of the real reason for Christmas. More than 100 musicians participated - the Concert Choir, the College Chorale and the College Handbell Ensemble - and it was dazzling as they performed familiar and new songs. Interspersed there were seven readings from the Bible relating to Jesus' birth read by students, faculty and the new Coe president, David McInally, and his wife, Janice.

Chaplain Kristin Hutson guided the program with meaningful prayer and power.

The audience wasn't left out because the words to four familiar Christmas hymns were printed in the program so we could join in the celebration, which we did with pleasure.

The final thing on the program happened as the musicians, each carrying a candle, stood in the every aisle and we all sang Silent Night. It was beautiful! There were scones and cider served after the performance, which added to the lovely morning.

If you were unable to attend this year, be sure to watch for it next year on the first Tuesday in December and start the Christmas season meaningfully.

Kate Hawkins

Cedar Rapids