The annual Christmas music events at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2701 24th St., will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, and at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services this Sunday.

Saturday evening, the congregational children’s Christmas program "Star of Wonder" will be preformed by the Sunday school and LOGOS children through the sixth grade. Pastor Jim Strasen said "Star of Wonder" is a heavenly Christmas musical for kids. Along the way, the audience will meet such bright luminaries as Superstar, Shooting Star, Lucky Star, Falling Star, Rock Star, the North Star and a constellation full of stars (the choir) as they anxiously watch for the biggest announcement in history — the birth of Jesus. Sunday’s program is "Holy Light," a Christmas Cantata. The choir is directed by Miriam Strasen. The music was written by Robert A. Hobby and the readings were written by Susan Palo Cherwien.

"This service, in many ways, is meant to take us on a journey from darkness to light, from the prophecy to the birth of Christ," the choir director said.

The Rev. Jim Strasen adds, "Susan Cherwien’s readings help us explore deep truths and mysteries about the incarnation, and Robert Hobby’s brilliant carol settings both illuminate our path and allow for dynamic and spirited congregation participation.

"This time of year the TV networks put out dozens of "holiday" shows, which claim to inform us about the true meaning of Christmas. Usually the message comes down to the importance of loving one another and being grateful for what you have in your family and friends. And of course, this is all very important. They are all missing one thing: It all has nothing to do with the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas. Christmas has to do with Christ. The true meaning is simple. It’s what the angel on high announced to a group of shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ ( Luke 2:11). May the true meaning of Christmas remain in our hearts so we might always give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for His most loving gift His son Jesus.

"So, turn off the TV on Saturday come and hear the story proclaimed by the children at Trinity Lutheran in word and song and on Sunday join us and take the journey from darkness to light, from prophecy to the birth of Christ. All are Welcome at Trinity."