December 12, 2025, was a quiet, yet chilly Friday night as newscasters discussed the potential of a big snowstorm the following day. But in the shadow of winter weather grew sounds of great anticipation and news of great joy as the students of Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict presented their second annual Advent “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Columbus Holy Family Church.
The highlight of the evening was the poem “All the Stars Looked Down” by the school’s patron, G.K. Chesterton, the great 19th and 20th century English writer and convert to the Catholic faith. Instead of being a scene from 2,000 years ago, the poem brings the Nativity to life with beautiful imagery, putting the students and their audience in a humble stable alongside the Holy Family during the most sacred night.
Stephen J. Smith, the music teacher at Chesterton Academy, was inspired by this Christmas poem and composed original music to accompany the words so that the students could sing it. It has become a fast favorite of the students. Freshman Audrey Bellaire said, “I’m sad that we will have to wait until next fall to start singing this song again in class.”
Chesterton Academy is the most recent addition to the diocese, having been recognized as an independent Catholic high school by Bishop Earl Fernandes in the summer of 2025.
The high school uses a novel method of education, teaching students in an integrated, classical manner with a minimalist approach to technology. Classical education can be described as the cultivation of wisdom and virtue through meditation on the good, the true and the beautiful. As part of the Chesterton Academy curriculum, all students participate in the choir for four years.
While we’ve exited the Advent and Christmas seasons, you can hear this beautiful Nativity poem at https://tinyurl.com/CASBadvent The students will next perform during their spring concert in early May.