The University has always enjoyed a rich tradition of musical events and services to help reflect on the season. This year has already seen the University Carol Service and the Choral Society's wonderful performance of Handel's Messiah.

On 19 December at the University Chapel, we can look forward to the Dunedin Consort's: The People's Mass ﾖ the world premiere of a new piece by six Scottish-based composers, specially commissioned by the Consort. NYCoS West Lothian Children's Choir joins the Consort to perform the plainsong on which the work is based. (For more information contact Katy Cooper, k.cooper@music.gla.ac.uk tel: 0141 330 4093 or see our Events listing at Events

The University Family Service will take place in the Chapel at 4.00pm on 19 December and the traditional Watchnight Service is on Christmas Eve. It is a busy time of year for our two University Chaplains, Rev. Stuart McQuarrie and Father John Keenan. They offer us their Christmas messages....

From Reverend Stuart McQuarrie, 'Christmas is a time for us all to reflect on where we are in our life and what our life is about. The Christmas Services in the University hope to inspire and provide opportunities for reflection and purpose. They are open to all, whether from the University or not, whether from a religious background or not. Please feel free to come to the University Christmas Eve Watchnight Service at 11.30pm and know that you will be very welcome.'

From Father John Keenan, ' Christmas is the celebration that God, in Jesus, was born in a humble stable and into a poor family with simple shepherds as His first witnesses. In this poverty, we saw the glory of Heaven. The Church continues to this day singing of the wonder that a little child in Bethlehem was God eternal. The Christmas message is for us to be humble like babes in arms, letting God come into our lives so that we can enter into His forever.'

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First published: 19 December 2002