CHOCOWINITY — A local church is bringing the spirit of Christmas to its members and the community at large.

Chocowinity United Methodist Church will present “Christmas Favorites Encore,” on Dec. 9 and 10, as a sort of sequel to last year’s “Christmas Favorites.”

As the name suggests, the church choir will sing familiar favorites, such as “Jingle Bells,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Some of the songs from last year will be performed, along with a few new ones, as well.

“Narrators lead the way through the nativity story of the birth of Jesus — the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” music/worship leader June Arnold wrote. “Carefully selected slides help bring to our minds the reality of this historical event.”

The performance will open with “Jingle Bells,” interwoven with melodies from “The Nutcracker Suite.” Later in the program is an Appalachian Mountains-style arrangement of “Angel Band,” according to Arnold.

After “I Heard the Bells on Christmas (Peace on Earth),” which draws from the biblical Book of Luke, Chapter 2, listeners can also expect to see a procession of nativity characters for the finale.

“Many of us can recall our costumes when we participated in the Christmas pageant during the beginning years of our Christian faith,” Arnold wrote.

Arnold has worked to incorporate many elements into “Christmas Favorites Encore.” The melodies of old favorites draw on biblical verses and intertwine with other familiar tunes to create a different sound. The overall message, however, remains the same: sharing the story of Jesus with listeners.

“The passing on of the Christmas story to others is part of fulfilling the Great Commission given from Jesus to Christians in all lands and all times,” Arnold wrote.

Chocowinity United Methodist will present “Christmas Favorites Encore” Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. The church is located at 678 N.C. Highway 33 West, Chocowinity.