Believe it or not, we are approaching the season of Advent, and the St. Bart’s Music Ministry is eagerly starting to prepare all of the beautiful music programming that will be part of the season.

First, the Greater San Diego Music Coterie will present a Messiah Sing-Along on December 1, 4:00 p.m., and December 6, 7:30 p.m., with members of the St. Bart’s choir as part of the chorus. The concert will incorporate full orchestra and soloists and will be a great opportunity to usher in the season as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth.

Second, we will be having our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols service on December 22, 4 p.m. This event is a family-friendly service, with exciting musical offerings from our choirs and instrumental ensembles, in the traditional service developed from King’s College Cambridge with seasonal lessons and congregational carols.

Finally, our Christmas Eve programming will incorporate our various ensembles, as we present joyous music to celebrate the season. Come 30 minutes prior to each of our services to hear exciting preludes and solos offered by members of our ministry. The 4 p.m. service will involve the children’s choir and handbell ensemble, the 7 p.m. service will involve the full choir and strings, and the 9:30 p.m. service will involve full choir and brass.

I hope you will share in our music-making, and invite your friends and family to participate, as we navigate the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent, in our anticipation of the Christ child entering our midst once again.