Christmas at the Cliff Brings Community Together in Song and Reflection

December 3, 2025

Briar Cliff University’s Music Program welcomed the campus and Siouxland community for this year’s Christmas at the Cliff: A Service of Lessons and Carols on Tuesday, December 2. Held in the softly lit Chapel of Our Lady of Grace, the evening offered a peaceful break from end-of-term demands and invited guests into a reflective celebration of the Christmas season.

The service blended scripture, prayer, and music to explore the Christmas story through a Franciscan lens. Audience members gathered in the glow of candlelight as the combined voices of the Cliff Singers and the homeschool community choir, Sing for Joy!, filled the chapel with traditional hymns and carols. The program also featured a movement from C.P.E. Bach’s Magnificat and a powerful spiritual by William Dawson.

Student soloists included Justice Weers (Education, ’26), Roisin Sagan (Computer Science, ’27), Claire Weber (Education, ’28), Zachary Ferro (History, ’28), and Ava Downing (Education, ’29), each contributing beautiful performances that highlighted the depth of student talent within the program.

The event drew families, friends, and community members of all ages, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to usher in the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting our students and sharing in an evening of beauty, harmony, and peace.