for granted—the gift of music. Unlike other churches that rely on cantors, choirs or singers to lead worship music, Lutherans are known for their robust tradition of congregational singing, especially at Christmas. This deep musical tradition dates from Martin
Luther, who said singing was a form of prayer and the living voice of the gospel, and from German composers Bach and Mendelssohn, who influenced much of Lutheran worship music. “Christmas was very much on Luther’s mind,” said
John Weit, ELCA program director for music. In addition to singing favorite hymns, choral music
is a big part of the season for Lutherans, and several ELCA-related schools are recognized for their Christmas concerts, including Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.; Augsburg College, Minneapolis; Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C.; and St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. Several of these Lutheran schools will stream their performances, which in the past were carried on public radio.
Praises sing to God the king O
By Wendy Healy ne of the best presents at Christmas is often taken “From the time that Martin Luther composed his
Christmas hymn ‘From Heaven Above to Earth I Come’ as a way of teaching the Christmas story to his children around the Christmas tree, Lutherans have heralded the celebration of Christ’s birth with song,” said Gregory Peterson, head of the music department at Luther College, where the annual concert is called “Christmas at Luther.” “Music is a gift from God and we use it to celebrate
and return thanks,” he said. “We sing because it seals on our lips and in our hearts God’s deep love for us in the person of Jesus Christ.” It wouldn’t be Christmas without a concert for
Kristi Knutson, administrative assistant in the music department at Luther. “ ‘Christmas at Luther’ is the kickoff for my Christmas season,” she said. “The music is absolutely wonderful and is sung and played with so much enthusiasm by the almost 600 students. The moment you walk into the concert hall, ‘Christmas at Luther’ is evident by all the beautiful Christmas scenery and the excitement is felt by all.”
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28 DECEMBER 2016
Photo: Courtesy of St. Olaf College
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