Choir to perform Christmas cantata during Dec. 15 service

The choir will present its 2019 Christmas cantata, “Love Transcending,” by John W. Peterson on Gaudete Sunday, Dec. 15, the third Sunday of Advent, during the 11 a.m. service.

The choir has performed and revived several Peterson classics over many years. This 1957 work, however, differs from last year’s cantata, “Night of Miracles,” in that it features several selections that will be familiar to listeners, such as “Birthday of a King,” “O Holy Night” and “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.” 

Several soloists will be featured, including: Rev. Tom Hartshorn, baritone; Mary Kackley, soprano; Ginny Reisenweber, alto; and Bob Gough, tenor. Harvey Reisenweber will narrate. 

“For many years, I have had a desire to publish a cantata for the Christmas season that would not only be a good testimony but would transcend the materialism which many associate with the birth of our Lord and King, and bring to us the real meaning of Christmas,” publisher Alfred B. Smith writes in an introduction. “In presenting ‘Love Transcending,’ I feel that we have accomplished both of these desired qualifications — musically, John W. Peterson has done an inspiring piece of writing and textually, the real meaning of Christmas has been dramatically yet simply unfolded.”

Joey DiGuglielmo is the director of music at Christ Reformed United Church of Christ.