Feast of Lights
The Feast of Lights is one of the most recognizable and respected of our University’s traditions. Although presentations have differed slightly from year to year, the basic theme has remained constant: the story of the birth of Christ and the symbolic message of the star of Bethlehem as it led the Wise Men to the stable. At the service’s conclusion, the traditional Ceremony of Candles, adapted from an ancient rite, symbolizes the spreading of the light of Christ’s message by the twelve apostles throughout the world.
About
The Feast of Lights is a service of worship celebrating ― in spoken word, tableaux, song and instrumental offering ― the birth of Jesus. During its seventy-seven years of existence, the Feast of Lights has become one of the most recognizable and respected of our University’s traditions. Under the leadership of Directors J. William Jones, Jeffrey Rickard, and Nicholle Andrews, its fame is nation-wide and much of its music has been recorded. As stated by an early Feast participant and University of Redlands faculty, the Feast is “a tapestry of scripture, poetry, music and drama. Always recognizable at its core, it is ever new in the elements and changes that appear annually in its music, drama and over-all structure.”
Tickets Information
77th Feast of Lights - 2024
- Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 8, 4:00 p.m.
In line with tradition, this year’s Feast of Lights will be a feast in the truest sense of the word. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items, which will be collected by the Family Service Association of Redlands and distributed to low-income and homeless families in the community.
For questions email feastoflights@redlands.edu, or call (909) 748-8800.
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History
The Feast of Lights was conceived in 1942 by Professor J. William Jones and first presented at the University of Redlands in 1947 as a production of the School of Music. In 1950, a second performance for the student body was added, and, by 1953, the Feast consisted of three performances.
In the 1968 Feast of Lights’ program, President George H. Armacost wrote:
"As long as I live I shall anticipate attending the Feast of Lights at the University of Redlands. This inspired service of worship has been an introduction to the Christmas Season for students, faculty and friends of the University of Redlands for more than twenty years. It is a tradition that I hope will endure as long as there is a University of Redlands."
In 1970 Professor Jeffrey H. Rickard became the Director of the Feast of Lights. The program notes for his first Feast of Lights began with the following statement:
"On Sunday evening, September 27, 1970, a new chapter in the pages of the celebrated history of the University of Redlands Choir was begun. It has been said that, at approximately the same time, a new era began for the entire University Community as well. It is always exciting to be involved in the beginning, to be part of the excitement and fervor which accompanies the realization of something new, something bold and daring. It is equally rewarding to feel the sensitivity and awareness, which reveres those traditions that have made the past great and enduring. With the first presentation of the 1970 Feast of Lights, one of the most loved of these traditions is continued."
In 2007, Professor Rickard celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Feast of Lights. After directing the Feast of Lights for 37 years, Rickard retired from the University of Redlands and passed the tradition to Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Nicholle Andrews.
Please join us to celebrate the 77th Feast of Lights.