For years, Christmas in Christ Chapel has been an event that has created many memories for the students involved over the  42 year tradition. Looking at the experience through the perspective of a first-year, a sophomore, and a senior, the significance of Christmas in Christ Chapel is clear.

With nearly 350 students involved and 1, 200 people attending each of the five showings, Christmas in Christ Chapel has always been a signature event at Gustavus. Interestingly, First-Year Devyn Wallem had no idea coming into her first semester at Gustavus what Christmas in Christ Chapel was. It was only after she auditioned for Choir and and waas placed in the Lucia Choir that she learned she would be part of something so significant for Gustavus. Among the 94 other females comprising the Lucia Choir, Wallem is excited to embark on a four year journey of participating in Christmas in Christ Chapel

“Coming into the Lucia Choir, I didn’t know it was this big deal of a thing, nor was I expecting any of it to be so extravagant. Now that I know, it feels amazing. It feels like you are bringing Christmas to Saint Peter. It has been so fun with all of the memories we have made,” Wallem said.

Feeling that it brings her the ability to express herself and being a part of something, Wallem is proud to be a member of the Lucia choir and Christmas in Christ Chapel.

“When I hear the orchestra beginning, I can get chills and it provides me a sense of wellbeing for being a part of it and seeing what we can do. This is something that can mean so much for people and it’s an event that provides unity for anyone who witnesses it,” Wallem said.

Sophomore English Major Amanda Down, has already experienced Christmas in Christ Chapel once and is excited to experience it again.

“When you are a first-year you don’t really understand how much the college really puts in to this entire performance. Now that I’m experienced, I can properly express my enthusiasm for it. This week leading up to the actual performances is one hell of a week but what really comes out of it is a magical experience. It was last year while rehearsing that I learned how powerful the Lucia Choir is. I love it and it’s quite the sisterhood of womanly power,” Downs stated.

There is a lot of emotional resonance for Downs when performing in the Chapel.

“One thing that really comes out in C in CC is people’s work ethics. We are told to pick someone in the audience who you are singing for. We are getting through this weekend to touch somebody else. I sing for grandpa. He’s my best friend and he came last year. I started to cry when I saw him last year while performing and it made it more absolute. After this moment I decided I would be singing for my Grandpa for the next four years no matter what orchestra I’m in. The show rewards you with the rush of emotions of being sentimental and happy at the same time when you are done with the experience,” Downs said.

Senior Music Major Daniel Felton has been a part of Christmas in Christ Chapel for three years. He joined Chapel Choir as a sophomore and Gustavus Choir for his junior and senior year

“Being a part of C in CC all these years has been magical. With the theme and layout changing every year as we prepare for the show, I am always astonished at how the Chapel can come together to look so amazing with all of the lights they hang up. The staple hymn in the end is always the same and is just as magical now as it has been since the first year I sung it in Christmas in Christ Chapel. There’s so many wonderful memories I have had so far with this group and I know when I sing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ for the last time… there might be some tears,” Felton said.

As the highlight of the day for Felton is going to choir with friends every day at 4:30. Felton will be carrying many wonderful memories of Christmas in Christ Chapel.

In addition to the students’ participation, this will be the first year Christmas in Christ Chapel is live streamed for anyone to see. Saturday at 6:30 p.m., anyone will be able to feel a magical experience no matter where they come from. In addition both the video and lighting crew assisting are nationally known.

Extending from the campus to and international audience, Christmas in Christ Chapel is an experience of a lifetime. From first-years who are about to experience it for the first time, to seniors who are about to participate for the last time, the tradition of Christmas in Christ Chapel in the Gustavus Community will live in the memories of thousands.

-Dan Vruno