"The earth has grown old with its burden of care; But at Christmas it always is young;

The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair; And its soul full of music breaks the air,

When the song of angels is sung."

- Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop, who wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

What would Christmas be without its music? The message would not change. Gifts would continue to be given. Food would be prepared. Families would get together. But the way the Christmas story and spirit is most magically conveyed is through its music, from deeply beloved carols to traditional tunes to profound classics.

In the midst of all the busyness and bustle of Christmas preparations, one "must" that should go to the top of each to-do list is to set aside a time to attend one of the many wonderful musical performances that community churches perform for everyone.

Here is a sampling of some that are upcoming:

Today and Sunday

Good Shepherd Cantata

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church's Music and Worship Ministries will present "A Festival of Carols" at 5 p.m. today and at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday. All performances will be in the sanctuary of Good Shepherd's South Campus on the corner of Washington Street and Divide Avenue.

According to music and worship minister Craig Schweitzer, Good Shepherd will present a new composition by internationally-recognized choral composer Joseph Martin. "Festival of Carols" is a collection of choral music, Christmas and Advent carols and scripture.

The community also is invited to welcome Keri Hess as director of adult choral ministries at Good Shepherd.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.GoodShepherdBismarck.com.

Sunday

Messiah Classical Christmas Concert

Messiah Lutheran Church in Mandan will present its Classical Christmas Concert at 1020 Boundary Road N.W. at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Guest performers include Jeremy Overbeck, cellist, Century HIgh School vocal and orchestral ensembles, and the Rev. James Baneck, organ.

The public is welcome. A free will offering will be taken.

Guitar ensemble at United Church of Christ

The Bismarck State College Guitar Ensemble will perform at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday at the Bismarck United Church of Christ, 1200 E. Highland Acres Road. Directed by Doug Klein, the ensemble will perform original arrangements of Christmas classics.

The Sunday School Christmas program also will be held during this service.

German Advent Service at Zap

The 24th annual German Advent service sponsored by Die Deutsche Stammhalter Chapter of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Zap.

Preaching in German and English will be Elden Zuern. The Pick City Singers and the Knife River Care Center Volunteer Singers will sing in German and English. Christmas refreshments and fellowship time will follow the celebration of German-Russian heritage.

The public is welcome to attend. Immanuel Lutheran church is at 102 Main St.

"An Island Christmas" at Mandan Church of the Nazarene

Mandan Church of the Nazarene is presenting "An Island Christmas" at 11 a.m. Sunday. For this program, Christmas hymns will be mixed with upbeat Caribbean-style songs. Fifty children dressed up in shorts and sunglasses will also offer a treasure hunting program with a pirate character and crew.

Special Christmas bags are being prepared for all the children who come to the service.

The church is at 4209 Old Red Trail, Mandan.

Dec. 21

Vivaldi's "Gloria" at First Presbyterian Church

The Chancel Choir at Bismarck's First Presbyterian Church will perform Vivaldi's "Gloria" at 11 a.m. Dec. 21 at the church at 214 E. Thayer Ave.

Originally scored by Vivaldi for oboe, trumpet, strings and continuo, "Gloria" will be performed by choir, string quartet and organ. The piece will be presented in its entirety at the service.

(Reach reporter Karen Herzog at 250-8267 or karen.herzog@bismarcktribune.com.)