网曝吃瓜

The 海角社区 community gathered in Central Lutheran Church on December 5 and 6 for the 46th annual Advent Vespers, marking Augsburg鈥檚 celebration of Advent and Christmas. This event is composed of music and liturgy focusing on the anticipation of the Incarnation, themed this year around the title, 鈥淕uide Our Feet Into the Way of Peace.鈥� Central Lutheran Church pastor, Peter Nycklemoe, and President Paul C. Pribbenow wrote that the theme for this year 鈥渟eems more urgent than ever as we seek to live as peacemakers in a world beset by violence, war, division, and injustice,鈥� inviting those in attendance to 鈥渟eek every day to live as faithful peacemakers in the world God loves so much.鈥�

Classics such as 鈥淗ark! The Herald Angels Sing鈥� and 鈥淪ilent Night, Holy Night,鈥� performed by Augsburg鈥檚 choirs, orchestra and brass quintet, were woven between prayers and readings throughout the three sections of the event.

鈥淭he best part of this year’s event has been the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and students in creating something that reflects the shared values of the Augsburg community,鈥� Augsburg Symphony Orchestra Director Mark Elliot Bergman said. 鈥淲orking alongside such dedicated artists and educators is always rewarding.鈥�

Preparation for the season

Preparation for Advent Vespers begins in the summer as the Music Department curates their repertoire for the year. Using the artistic and educational goals for each ensemble as a guideline, the directors work to select music that thrives in this balance. As students return to campus in the fall, the Music Department and Campus Ministry teams meet to align visions and finalize selections. The teams work together to craft a theme that reflects 鈥渨hat the Spirit might be guiding us to share,鈥� 海角社区 Pastor Babette Chatman 鈥�06 said.

The theme

Chatman said that she sees this year’s theme as a prayer, or meditation.

鈥淭o be guided by peace in the presence of chaos is an act of resistance to me,鈥� Chatman said. 鈥淭his Advent Vespers鈥� theme speaks to the constant need for peace: in our lives, in our communities, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and, yes, in our world.鈥�

Bergman feels similarly, saying that the theme, and the event, offers a pause and encourages reflection.

鈥淚t serves as an invitation to examine our own posture in the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淏oth as individuals and as a community of learning, scholarship, and service.鈥�

Recordings of previous performances may be accessed via the .

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Top image: The 2025 Advent Vespers. Photo by Courtney Perry.