Fort Worth, Texas -- The School of Church Music and Worship (SCMW) at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will present its annual gift to the seminary and surrounding communities—Prelude to Christmas, a free concert signaling the start of the holiday season—Nov. 13-14 in the MacGorman Chapel and Performing Arts Center on the seminary campus.
“Christ is Born in Bethlehem” is the theme of the 2026 concert and will focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the beauty and greatness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, SCMW Dean Joe Crider said.
“We are using a beautiful song, Christ is Born in Bethlehem, from John Bolin’s new Christmas musical, as a thematic and musical bridge for all of the elements in the second half of the program,” he added. Noting the SCMW has five choral groups, a piano ensemble, a guitar ensemble, and seven worship bands, Crider said the concert will feature “a wonderful representation of our diverse ensembles, including an amazing drum line.”
Audiences can expect to hear a variety of songs.
“One of the joys of having such talented students from all over the world is that we can explore all styles and genres of artistic expression—from more traditional choral works to brand new songs played by an electric guitar ensemble,” Crider said. “There will definitely be something for everyone!”
“Most importantly, we are praying that people walk away from Prelude to Christmas with a renewed sense of the wonder and mystery of the incarnation—God becoming one of us in Jesus Christ,” Crider added. “We also pray that people are encouraged and reminded to focus on Jesus Christ during a season that has become even more commercialized.
“And lastly, we hope people walk away from our campus with an awareness of just how special Texas Baptist College and Southwestern are, and that Southwestern houses the only School of Church Music and Worship embedded in a seminary in North America—a stewardship we take very seriously.”
Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Tickets are free, but required, and seats are limited. Tickets are available here.
