Advent of Hope, the Birth of Peace, The

Christmas is that wonderful time of the year when we sing, "come thou long-expected Jesus even thought we know he has already come," and "joy to the world even though we know the world is not yet completely joyful. ôThese are the opening words of this thoughtful and expressive cantata-a beautiful combination of the meditative, as well a the joyful, feelings that remembering the events of Christmas brings. The congregation is asked to join in the singing of familiar carols, and the choir is given the opportunity to sing beautifully crafted, but never difficult, new music frothed season. Performance time: 25-30 minutes.