Zion UCC in Lehighton will present its annual ecumenical Christmas cantata in its sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27.

This year's cantata is entitled "Breath of Heaven" by Russell Mauldin. This contemporary cantata tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph.Mary will be portrayed by Kathy Long, and Joseph by Dan "Deacon" Evans, who have served as narrators for previous cantatas.The cantata is a mix of recognizable carols and contemporary pieces of music.The title piece, "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) features soloist Caroline Burkhart. This piece of music was made famous by contemporary Christian singer Amy Grant.Also featuredis "Welcome to Our World," which was made famous by Michael W. Smith. This piece features an alto solo by Shannon Frycklund.Other musicwill include "Emmanuel Shall Come," "The Promise," "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," "Magnificat," "Call His Name," "You Follow," "Emmanuel Is Born Medley"and "At the Feet of Jesus" with "O Holy Night."The choir is made up of nearly 100 voices from 33 churches and groups from all different denominations.The group has been getting together once a week since October to prepare for the program.The cantata is accompanied by the Zion Festival Orchestra, which is made up of musicians from the Carbon County area and beyond.In addition to the cantata, the orchestra will present the songs Christmas at the Movies, which features music from "Miracle on 34th Street," "The Polar Express," "Somewhere in My Memory," "Making Christmas" and "Where are You Christmas: A Rhapsody on Christmas Carols."The chorus will also present the anthem "Christmas Lullaby," accompanied by Laura Cressley on piano, and Alyssa Schoch on flute.Laura, who served as rehearsal pianist for the cantata, will present a piano solo as a prelude. Cindy Mack will present the offertory, and will be joined by the orchestra on the processional and recessional hymns on Zion's grand Austin organ.The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bannerman, pastor of Zion UCC, will lead the congregation in Scripture lesson and prayer.The ecumenical cantata was originally organized by the late Paul R. Smith and his wife, Linn, who served as director of music and organist at Zion UCC for 44 years.They continued the cantata, which became a Lehighton tradition, for nearly 30 years. Paul passed away earlier this year, but his legacy lives on in many musical groups throughout Lehighton.The cantata is now under the direction of Zion's director of music, Bradly R. Cressley.Breath of Heaven cantata books and orchestrations were donated in loving memory of Berdell and Althea Beers by daughter and son-in-law Thomas and Sharyn Garrett.The event is free to the public. A free will offering will be collected for Zion UCC to continue its missions.