Candlelight Carols 2024: “Hope Is Born”

photo credit for all images: Lucas Brito

On December 6 and 7, the air in Torrey-Gray Auditorium was thick with anticipation as the orchestra filed in and readied their instruments. In the audience, old friends greeted each other while parents herded little ones into their seats. When the lights dimmed, everyone fell silent as the Moody Campus Orchestra (MCO) members raised their violins, clarinets, and flutes, and from these many instruments came the festive strains of “Let it Snow.” The Candlelight Carols 2024 concert had begun.

After a greeting from President Mark Jobe, the audience enjoyed an eclectic mix of music from The Moody Chorale, MCO, Ecclesia and EverPraise Worship Collectives, the Moody Gospel Choir, and the One O’clock Jazz Band. One showstopping highlight was the title piece, “Hope Is Born”—written by Moody Music professor, Dr. Dan Mattix, and performed by all of the ensembles combined.

Woven throughout the musical concert was a dramatization of the love story and early ministry of C.H. Spurgeon and his wife Susannah. In a scene from their courtship, Charles asked Susannah, “Do you pray for him who is to be your husband?” And the audience held their breath, anticipating her response. The script—written by Moody Communications professor Bethany Paulsen—incorporated several of the actual sermons and letters of Charles and Susannah, powerfully bringing some lesser-known portions of their story to life. The program finished with a compelling gospel presentation—first, from C.H. Spurgeon’s own sermon, and then personally from Dr. Jobe.

Before and after each concert, Candlelight Carols attendees had the opportunity to spend time on our beautifully-decorated Chicago campus. Many visitors walked through the interactive Nativity experience, hosted by the Children and Family Ministry students. Others headed to the Chapman Center to enjoy a variety of creative activities and performances at the Festival of Arts and Culture, prepared by the Communications students.

On Culby 1, there was a bustling Christmas Market with booths run by several ministry partners—Sak Saum for Freedom, Rafiki Foundation, Arise Creations, Lazarus Artisan Goods and much, much more! In the plaza, families and friends enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa under the Christmas lights and around the fire pits. And many attendees grabbed a meal from the three Chicago food trucks parked outside of the ASC.

All-in-all, Candlelight Carols 2024 Hope is Born provided a Christ-centered, family-friendly Christmas celebration for the thousands who came—shining the light of Jesus in the middle of a city and world that desperately needs Him.

We hope you’ll join us next year for Candlelight Carols 2025!