On Friday, December 12, the John Paul II Catholic School community gathered for one of the most beloved traditions of the Advent season—our annual Lessons and Carols production—an evening that beautifully wove together Sacred Scripture, prayer, and music, drawing hearts ever closer to the coming of Christ.

The evening opened with a reverent Choral Processional of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” setting a prayerful tone as voices lifted the ancient plea of Advent: Come, Lord Jesus, dwell with us. From that first note, the audience was invited into a sacred journey through salvation history, guided by Scripture readings and musical reflections.

Lessons from Genesis, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, and the Gospel of John proclaimed God’s unfolding promise of redemption, while choir, band, and congregational carols responded in joyful praise. Highlights included the hauntingly beautiful “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,” the spirited ancient Spanish carol “Riu Riu Chiu,” the triumphant strains of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and the tender reverence of John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol.”

The participation of the congregation—joining in beloved hymns such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” "The Little Drummer Boy, " “We Three Kings,” “Silent Night,” and the joyful recessional “Joy to the World”—underscored the communal spirit of the evening, reminding all present that Christmas is a shared proclamation of hope.

Reflecting on the evening, JPII President David Lima shared,

“Lessons and Carols is a powerful reminder that Christmas is not simply a season we celebrate, but a mystery we enter into together. Through Scripture, music, and prayer, our students proclaim the Good News that God is with us—Emmanuel—and that message is the heart of everything we do at John Paul II Catholic School.”

This sacred celebration would not have been possible without the dedication, talent, and leadership of our music faculty and students. Special thanks and heartfelt congratulations to Victor Ney, Band Director, and Emily Brown, Choir Director, whose vision and tireless work brought this prayerful experience to life. Their commitment to excellence and faith formation through the arts was evident in every note and every moment.

We are grateful to all students, readers, musicians, and staff who contributed to this beautiful evening. Lessons and Carols remains a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas—the Word made flesh, dwelling among us, and the enduring joy that comes from proclaiming His birth through faith and song.