A crèche, poinsettias and a spread of food and drink have long been staples of Christmas Eve at Saint Mark’s Anglican Church in Guadalajara.
But it is probably the music that is most emblematic of the celebration, especially the choir’s roaring finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”
This year’s event at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, December 24, will not deviate much from prior years’ format, including some sing-along carols and the beloved candlelight recessional with “Silent Night.” But Christmas Eve, said Music Director Debra Matthew, “is a bit more classically oriented, since we sing two selections from ‘The Messiah’ and then ‘O Holy Night’ for the offertory with Chema López soloing in French.”
Also unchanged is St. Mark’s open-arms stance, said Senior Warden Will Chapman. “We hope to be a church for all those in Guadalajara who prefer to worship in English,” he said. “We offer Communion to all baptized Christians irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation. All truly are welcome.”
St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Chichimecas 836 at Aztecas, Colonia Monraz, near the new U.S. Consulate under construction..