The acclaimed cantata, “Love Came Down at Christmas” by popular composer and arranger Joel Raney, will be performed at 10 a.m. Sunday by the Chancel Choir of Christ First United Methodist Church in Jamestown.

The inspiration for the cantata, and its title, is from Victorian poet Christina Rossetti’s Christmas poem, “Love Came Down at Christmas,” first published in 1885. It has been performed as a Christmas carol by a number of composers.

The meaning of the poem is that the birth of Christ brought love down from heaven for all humankind; Rossetti’s poem depicts love as incarnate, or flesh in a human person.

The cantata will be performed in sections, one for each of the four Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, along with an introduction, and a reprise and finale.

The composition is unusual; incorporating verses from more than 15 traditional and Advent Christmas carols throughout its 30 minutes, including “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “On This Day Earth Shall Ring,” “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World,” and others, a musical Christmas tapestry is created.

Rossetti’s entire poem is included, beginning with the first 3 lines that set the stage: “Love came down at Christmas; Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas.”

In addition, a variety of narrative readings from the Bible are interspersed within the composition, such as First Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful,” and others. Love is the theme of Christmas.

The combination of spoken and sung words, with musical accompaniment, deliver an inspiring and uplifting Christmas message, and a feeling of hope.

The Chancel Choir will be accompanied on piano and organ by Organist Andy Schmidt, and conducted by Director of Music Steven A. Woods.

Christ First United Methodist Church is located at 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, with parking lot access from Buffalo Street. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend; for more information, call 716-664-5803, or see christfirstjamestown.org.