How Emmanuel Is Uniting 35+ Churches This Christmas
- Justin Drozynski
- Nov 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Every Christmas season for the past 24 years, ACTS Choir & Orchestra has gathered singers and instrumentalists from over 35 local churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus through music in the Butler and Slippery Rock areas. What brings us together each year isn’t simply tradition or performance — it’s the message behind the music.
This Christmas, that message is beautifully captured in the cantata we’re presenting: Emmanuel — God With Us! A collection of contemporary lessons and carols arranged by Lloyd Larson
it tells the story of Christ’s coming with a depth that continues to shape our hearts as we prepare.
At the center of it all is one truth: God came near.
Not distant.
Not silent.
Not unreachable.
But with us — in our humanity, our longing, and our need.
It’s this message of Emmanuel that is uniting our churches in worship this season.
A Message That Brings Us Together
ACTS has always been a ministry built on unity. Every year, volunteers and families from dozens of congregations from a multitude of denominations come together as one body to lift up the name of Jesus through music.
The theme of “God with us” is more than a lyric — it’s the reason this ministry exists.
Because God is with us, we worship together.
Because God is with us, we serve together.
Because God is with us, we lay aside differences to proclaim one message.
In a world that often feels fractured, Emmanuel reminds us that Christ Himself is our unity.
How the Cantata Tells the Story of Emmanuel
Emmanuel—God With Us! unfolds like a journey, guiding us through the longing, promise, and wonder of Christ’s coming. Lloyd Larson’s arrangement blends Scripture, traditional carols, and contemporary worship in a way that helps us feel the story, not just recall it.
Here’s how the music walks us through the heart of Christmas:
1. A People Waiting for Hope — “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
The cantata opens in a place of longing.
This ancient hymn gives voice to humanity’s cry across generations:
“Come, rescue us. Come dwell with us.” It sets the stage for the miracle that’s about to unfold — God responding to the ache of His people.
2. The Announcement of a King — “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
The mood shifts from longing to anticipation.
Prophecy begins to break open.
Light starts pushing back against darkness.
This movement captures the urgency and expectancy of the moment when heaven steps toward earth.
3. The Promise Becomes Flesh — “Emmanuel, God With Us”
This is the heartbeat of the entire cantata.
The music lifts into a bold, joyful declaration that the God of the universe has come close — not in power, but in humility.
This moment ties together every theme: presence, nearness, hope, and the beauty of God stepping into our world.
4. The Wonder of Mary — “Breath of Heaven” & “Mary, Did You Know?”
These contemporary reflections give us a glimpse into the humanity of the Christmas story.
Mary wrestles with awe, uncertainty, obedience, and trust.
Through her eyes, we’re reminded that Emmanuel doesn’t just mean “God with us” in a global sense — it also means “God with me,” personally, intimately, in every fear and question.
5. Joy Breaks Forth — Carols of Celebration
The cantata rises into familiar carols and songs of praise that celebrate the birth of the Savior — “Christmastime”, "No Eye Had Seen", "One Small Child", "O Holy Child of Bethlehem" as well as "The Peace Carol"
By this point, longing has become fulfillment, and anticipation erupts into joy.
The full choir and orchestra join together to proclaim the good news:
Hope has come. God is here.
What “Emmanuel” Means for Our Community Today
As our musicians rehearse week after week, we’re reminded that Emmanuel is not just a historical truth — it’s a present reality.
God is with us in our churches.
God is with us in our families.
God is with us in our struggles and uncertainties.
God is with us in our worship — every instrument, every voice, every prayer.
This is why ACTS gathers. This is why we sing.
It’s not about performance. It’s not about spotlight. It’s not about impressing an audience.
It’s about proclaiming that Jesus Christ came for us — and He is still with us now.
An Invitation to Experience Emmanuel With Us
We warmly invite you — your family, your church, your friends — to join us for this year’s ACTS Christmas Concert.
Come hear the story of Emmanuel told through Scripture, choir, orchestra, and carols that point every heart to Jesus.
Come be reminded that you are not alone.
God is with us.
And that changes everything.
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