There's something about the music of Christmas that brings us together, year after year. At Hurstbourne Christian Church, our annual Christmas Cantata has become a cherished tradition - a moment when voices rise as one, and the story of Christ’s birth comes alive in song and celebration.
This year, we’re excited to present our 2025 Christmas Cantata, themed “Festival of Christmas.” We’re pulling out all the stops: classic carols, beloved hymns, and moving musical arrangements. From the opening number - Michael W. Smith’s “Christmastime,” known for its joyful, celebratory energy - to the powerful gospel medley of “Behold That Star,” “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow,” and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain,” our program is designed to stir hearts and lift spirits. We’ll also feature Pietro Yon’s “Gesu Bambino,” a classic that beautifully paints the scene of the nativity, beloved by choirs for its gentle melody and message of light. And in a moment of reflection, we’ll sing “All is Well,” the hymn written by William Clayton during a journey marked by faith, perseverance, and the promise of new life. Wrapping it all up with a modern arrangement of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” This carol, with its journey from sorrow to hope, feels especially poignant for our world today, and recent arrangements bring new life and depth to its timeless message.
This isn’t just a concert - it’s a service woven together with narration, inviting us to walk the road to Bethlehem, hear the angelic proclamation of peace, and reflect on the wonder of God’s greatest gift. The choir, joined by soloists and a chamber orchestra, will help us remember the night when hope entered our world in a humble manger - and rejoice that Christ’s light still shines.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 21, during the worship service. We hope you and your loved ones will attend and experience the beauty and truth of Christmas. This is more than music - it’s a time to gather, to remember, and to celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth together. Let’s come together this season, lift our voices, and share the hope, peace, and joy that only Christmas brings. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!