Hark! The Story Behind Our Most Beloved Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols have a centuries-old tradition. Beginning around the first century, music began to be written celebrating Christmas and the Nativity. But, did you know that not all Christmas Carols began as sacred music? Some Christmas Carols have their origins in pagan songs celebrating the Winter Solstice and medieval drinking songs sung in taverns.

Come and join Circle of Friends for “Cookies & Carols” and explore the origins and backstories of some of our favorite Christmas Carols with us and Father Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and our Director of Music K. Scott Warren.

Father Ricardo da Silva, S.J. is Associate Editor at America Media and the producer of the renowned podcast, Hark!, which airs over the four weeks of Advent and dissects a different Christmas Carol every week. On December 10th, Father da Silva will provide a brief history of our tradition of singing Christmas Carols and explore the backstory to several beloved favorites, including O Come, O Come Emanuel, Adeste Fidelis/O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing and Silent Night as well as less familiar Christmas songs: In the Bleak Midwinter and The Huron Carol.

Father da Silva will be joined by our very own Director of Music, K. Scott Warren. Scott will provide musical accompaniment and lead us in singing some of the Christmas Carols.

Registration is required. To register, email [email protected].