MONROE — The music ministry of St. John’s United Church of Christ will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, during worship service.

The cantata, titled “A Festival of Lessons and Carols,” is a setting of familiar carols and traditional Biblical texts that come together to create the telling of the birth of Jesus. The cantata will incorporate all elements of the music department including the Sanctuary Choir, Hand Bell Choir and the Youth Choir. 

The groups will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra of strings and winds. Allen Redford is directing the cantata.

The tradition of a service of lessons and carols began in the late 19th century and originated in England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is credited with formalizing the service, which includes nine lessons, or readings, for use on Christmas Eve. It is interspersed with well-known Christmas carols and hymns.  

Although established in Anglican churches and to this day celebrated at King’s College, Cambridge, the service has been adopted by Christian denominations around the world.

The readings tell the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. The carols include familiar songs of the season including “Once in Royal David’s City,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O How Joyfully,” “Away in a Manger,” “Coventry Carol,” “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

For more information, call the St. John’s church office at 325-2165.