Preparations for this year’s 34th annual Christmas Cantata began in July by Delma Baker, veteran choir director. The actual performance does not occur until Dec. 10, but experience has taught that advance planning is a must with this particular program.

The Lewiston Seventh-day Adventist Church has presented Christmas Cantata for more than 30 years—a program both church and community members look forward to. A collaborative affair, Cantata gathers singers and a diverse collection of musicians from the whole community.

Cantata provides a tremendous opportunity for both church and non-church members to enjoy a truly spiritual and completely free holiday performance. The elegantly decorated foyer and church sanctuary invite guests into a magical world of worship and praise. The music of Cantata is hand-picked, based on the vocal abilities of committed choir members. The choir is composed of Adventist church members as well as members from other churches in the area and private citizens.

In addition to the choir, a variety of local musicians, including violinists, trumpeters, saxophonists, and the hand-bell choir of Lewiston’s Beacon Christian School take part in the concert. The performance also includes a live nativity scene in which children are dressed as wise men, stable animals and shepherds who, with Mary and Joseph, welcome God’s son into the world.

As a family- and community-based program, Lewiston’s Christmas Cantata brings the community together to glorify God and celebrate our Savior's birth through the gift of music.