Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehighton will mark the start of Advent this Saturday with "The Voices of Christmas," a service of lessons and carols.

The performance will begin at 3 p.m. at Trinity.Performing are 25 singers, including Trinity's Sanctuary Choir and guests; narrators offering scripture and monologue; and a 19-piece orchestra featuring strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and harp.An Advent cantata with lessons and carols has become a tradition at Trinity; this is the eighth year that the choir has offered a cantata with a live orchestra."We will offer this the day before Advent begins, and after the hubbub of Thanksgiving is over," said Susan Lovejoy, the organist and choir director at Trinity."We are beginning to prepare for Christmas, and that is what Advent is all about.""The Voices of Christmas" is an original cantata by Joseph Martin and contains many different voices, including choir members representing the voice of the angel messenger Gabriel; Mary, as she was filled with wonder at Jesus' upcoming birth; Joseph, as he sought guidance; and Isaiah, who represented all who encouraged others.These voices are offered through song, scripture, and narration."It speaks to the many needs that people have in this world today," said Lovejoy, who noted that while the cantata is upbeat and celebrates the coming of Christmas, people have many different emotions as they prepare for the holiday."All of us have reasons to need encouragement. We also have times when we are in awe of the good news and the Christmas season."She added that it's easy to become overwhelmed during the Christmas season and all year long; and that perhaps this need for guidance and strength is best represented in "Joseph's Song," an original piece that speaks from Joseph's perspective as a simple carpenter asked to raise God's child."The Voices of Christmas" contains a mix of traditional and familiar Advent songs, including "O Come Emmanuel," "Good Christians, Now Rejoice," "The First Noel," and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen;" and original songs by Joseph Martin.All community members are invited to attend, including children. Lovejoy noted that the performance is a good chance for children to hear and see an orchestra perform up close."This is one of the few live orchestras that we have an opportunity to have in our area," added Lovejoy.There is no charge for admission, but a freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Trinity Food Pantry.The pantry serves more than 460 needy families each month in the Lehighton Area School District.Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 175 S. 3rd St., Lehighton.