Chocowinity United Methodist Church invites the public to attend its annual Christmas musical program, a listening experience that follows the storyline of Christ’s birth.

According to June Arnold, minister of music and worship at Chocowinity UMC, the church’s special events choir will present songs that tell the story of Jesus’ birth through several cultural perspectives, including a lively selection with hints of the Jewish musical tradition, “Yahweh, Hear Our Pleas,” as well as a rhythmic, African chant, “noel, noel! sing glory!” and a Southern Gospel rendition, “Glory to God in the Highest.”

Arnold said the fact that various cultures make Jesus their own will be depicted through slides of original art, illustrating Jesus with the physical characteristics of people in differing native lands. Accompanied by a selection, “Some People See Him,” the pictures of original art interpretations of baby Jesus are meant to remind the audience that physical and cultural differences are no barrier to the spirit of the Lord, Arnold said.

Other traditional, easy listening tunes such as “Look Who Just Checked In,” with hints of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” will be performed.

Arnold, who has been writing and orchestrating musical programs regularly for years, incorporates various ideals, much like the program’s multicultural element, in their creation. Other elements implemented in the programs include an intergenerational appeal, for example, and encourages participation from youth members of the church, she said.

“It’s more than children participating today,” Arnold said. “It is training them for their future as the leaders of the next faith generation. Music is a passion of mine. I often feel as if my music ministry is a calling and an inspiration. It’s almost as if there’s no other choice if I’m to be fulfilled in my Christian calling. It’s the Christmas season, and we believe there are many people that want to hear the familiar story of Christ again. And we like to do this in some traditional way with familiar Christmas carols, but we also like to add some of the new contemporary pieces. It’s a little different style with the same message.”

The Christmas program will be performed Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.

Chocowinity United Methodist Church is located at 678 N.C. Highway 33 West in Chocowinity.