Music makes everything better, even the most joyous, most wonderful, most blessed time of the year.

The Lititz Area Community Choir Warwick Alumni and Friends will present its second Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. at Grace Church, 501 W. Lincoln Ave., Lititz. Choral director Debbie Kline-Smith has titled the performance "The Glow of Christmas."

Admission to the concert is free and a freewill offering will be accepted at the door.

"Holiday music is very special," said Kline-Smith. "I think people enjoy holiday music. I think there's something special about going to a holiday concert and enjoying it live. It goes with the celebration. Most celebrations have music, and Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations of the year."

The Glow of Christmas concert will be a compilation of 10 holiday selections, and it will include a variety of musical styles, solo performances, a duet and a trio, as well as lyrical dance. The show is expected to last an hour.

"We wanted to pick music that appeals to everyone, and we want to highlight our special talents," said Kline-Smith. "The concert deals with the birth of baby Jesus. It starts with the thought of who's coming. We end with a final piece where He's been born, and we are led to the light of baby Jesus. All the music leads up to what led us to baby Jesus."

The Lititz Area Community Choir Warwick Alumni and Friends' 90 members have been rehearsing for the concert every Thursday at Brunnerville United Methodist Church since September. Last year's holiday concert, "The Thrill of Hope," served as the group's inaugural performance.

"You get feedback from an audience," Kline-Smith said of live performances. "You get applause, you see the looks on people's faces and sometimes you even get a standing ovation. The feeling is difficult to put into words. It's every exhilarating. It's easier to get excited about the music, and it makes you perform even better."

While the members of the Lititz Area Community Choir are certainly dedicated to the craft, their collective commitment is not without its rewards.

"Our members are there every week," said Kline-Smith. "Many I have known for many years, and their passion for singing has continued to grow. They really enjoy being there and it's a learning experience, just how to use their voices. My expectations have always been very high, and they seem to have bought into it. Also, there are friendships being rekindled and some individuals getting to know new people."

The Lititz Area Community Choir has come a long way in a short period of time. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the group was formed in September of 2022 by former students of Kline-Smith who weren't ready to relinquish their passion for singing.

"I'm pretty pleased with our progress," said Kline-Smith. "These are all people who enjoyed being in concert choir or college choirs. It allows them to continue to use their talents. We're performing for the community. We want people to support our choir. I think they will have a very nice lead into preparing for the holidays. This will set the tone."