Choirs representing cultures from around the world have come together on one compilation to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Office for Black Catholic Ministry presents “Joyfully United 2007,” a multicultural CD featuring Christmas music performed by Atlanta-area singing groups.

“All of them praise God in their native language and with music made sacred in their own traditions and cultures,” wrote Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory in his introduction to the CD. “The cultures highlighted by this Christmas Concert CD are only a glimpse of the wide array of cultures presented in our Catholic faith community in this archdiocese.”

Featured on the album are several groups representing African American, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hispanic and African cultures, including the African American Catholic Mass Choir of Atlanta, the Atlanta Chinese Catholic Community Christmas Choir, the Cung Viet Choir of Our Lady of Vietnam, Emmanuel Ministerio de Alabanza, the Gambia Christian People’s Association Choral Group, the Nigerian-Igbo Catholic Community of Atlanta Choir and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Handbell Choir.

“Joyfully United 2007” features songs such as “Jesus, What a Wonderful Child,” “Wan Lai Jean (All Still),” “Noche de Paz (Silent Night)” and “Oro Nwata Bu Jeso (A Shout for the Child Jesus).”

The Office for Black Catholic Ministry will also present a multicultural Christmas concert on Dec. 16 at Spelman College, Atlanta. The event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with WSB Television Channel 2’s Monica Pearson serving as the mistress of ceremonies. The choirs on the CD will perform at the concert.

The “Joyfully United 2007” CD is available for $10.00. Checks should be made out to the Office for Black Catholic Ministry and mailed to 680 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308. The CDs also are available through phone by calling (404) 888-7848, and at the Dec. 16 Christmas concert.