Joy of Christmas

2026 is the 55th year for The Joy of Christmas Past and Present, sponsored by Augustana College Campus Ministries and Augustana Lutheran Church, Andover, Ill.

Students and faculty from Augustana College join the community for this beautiful service of worship and music that starts at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover. The Christmas story will be read in several different languages.

The service concludes with a procession to the Jenny Lind Chapel, which is illuminated by 100 candles, and where Holy Communion will be celebrated to the strains of familiar Christmas carols.

Attendees are advised to dress warm for the weather, as the candle procession is about a 5-minute walk to the chapel.

Sponsored by Campus Ministries and the Augustana Choir.