Ruth Naylor and Wendy Chappell-Dick will perform three times together in Bluffton during December.

The performances combine Chappell-Dick's music and Naylor's poetry in text and song to create a dialogue that covers politics, doubt, and faith, all within the setting of the Christmas story.

Chappell-Dick recorded her album “Songs of Forests and Thorns” a few years ago, and Naylor recently published her anthology of "Christmas poems Straw and All."

"The music and poetry share themes of the natural world, the mystery inherent in Christ’s birth, both the bitter along with the sweet. Much of the music in the concert is quite old, featuring European carols from 1400-1800s," said Chappell-Dick.

She added: "Naylor brings a contemporary voice to the traditional songs, with poems that mention shopping malls and car radios, yet always draw the listener back to the old story and timeless meaning of Christmas." 

The two will be joined by One in a Number: The Bluffton Women's Choir.

Monday, Dec 1 - 6:30 p.m. Bluffton Public Library
Saturday, Dec 13 - 5 p.m. Swiss Community Historical Society open house
Sunday, Dec 14 - 6:30 p.m. First Mennonite Church Christmas program