The First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Chancel Choir is presenting this year’s Christmas Cantata “A Night for Rejoicing” at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, in the church’s sanctuary.

A cantata is a collection of well-known hymns and songs, and sometimes original pieces, that are connected with narration and solos that are intended to be performed in their entirety. This year’s cantata was created by Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler and tells the story of Jesus’ birth and features eight choral movements, two instrumental movements and featured solos that are “tied together with narration,” said Emmie Gonsoulin, Chancel Choir director.

She directs a 30-member choir that will be accompanied by an eight- piece chamber orchestra — flute, obo, clarinet, horn, cello, timpani, percussion and handbells. Usually, the choir would sing alongside a 25- to 30-piece orchestra, but “A Night for Rejoicing” was written for a smaller orchestra. Gonsoulin said this “allows the choir to be at the forefront of the performance which gives the audience a chance to really hear and understand the text that is being sung.

“While a large orchestra is exciting, there is something special about a well-balanced, text-driven performance.”

The entire service on Sunday is 50 minutes, and the Cancel Choir performance will last about 35 minutes. Attendees will recognize familiar tunes, including “Silent Night, Away in a Manger,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Tell It On The Mountain.”

Gonsoulin said community musical performances are paramount to bolster the Christmas spirit in Southwest Louisiana.

We read about the hope and promise of Christ’s birth and these performances bring that to life. People are able to feel the joy of Christmas in a very real way when they listen to live music. On any given night during the month of December, you can attend a performance and see people of all ages, from toddlers and up, singing and playing their hearts out. If that isn’t joy, I don’t know what is!”

They have been preparing for this performance for four months, and practice has been pleasant, she said.

“This year has been a breath of fresh air for us. I chose this work not only for the chamber orchestra, but also because I knew the choir could learn it quickly and get to a point where they are so comfortable for the performance.”

The FUMC Chancel Choir Open to any member of the public.

“If you enjoy singing and are looking for a church home, you are so welcome here.”