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If you happen to hear the familiar strains of "Silent Night" wafting through your window on Christmas Eve, it may not be a group of socially-distanced carolers making their rounds—in fact, it could be your neighbors. A communal event called Silent Night Chicago is inviting folks all over the city to take a few minutes to go outside, light a candle (or your phone) and lend their voices to a citywide rendition of the classic Christmas Carol.
The sing-along is scheduled to take place at 9:09pm on Christmas Eve, and participants can tune into live-streaming musical accompaniment (and lyrics) via the Silent Night Chicago website or set their radio dials to 90.1 FM, 1160 AM or 105.1 FM. According to organizers, the song choice is inspired by the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I, when French, German and British soldiers called unofficial ceasefires, exemplifying the peaceful message of the Austrian hymn.
Moody Church senior pastor Philip Miller came up with the idea for Silent Night Chicago, but representatives are quick to note that it's not being branded as a Moody Church event. "We really want this to be an all-Chicago event," Moody Church director of communications Eric Morse said. "Many other groups, organizations and churches from all backgrounds are coming on board."
By coming together to sing a familiar song alongside neighbors throughout the entire city, the organizers of Silent Night Chicago are hoping that participants will take a moment to reflect on an incredibly tough year, while looking toward the future with a sense of hope. "We wanted the event to be a moment where people from all backgrounds could come together to celebrate Christmas," Morse said.
Whether you're waiting for Santa to come down your chimney or just want an excuse to belt out a carol (the official stream will use a choral version of "Silent Night," arranged by Tim Stafford), you'll be able join in the chorus at 9:09pm on December 24.
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