The choirs are in tune. The candles are lit. The trees are up, and decorations adorn the church.

Two Eastern Illinois University choirs will join together tonight to bring the spirit of Christmas to Charleston.

Under the direction of Richard Rossi and Gary Jensen, 35 men and women that make up the Eastern Concert Choir and Women’s Chorus will perform in a holiday-themed concert.

“Lessons and Carols” has been hosted for the past five years by the Wesley United Methodist Church.

“The first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918 at King’s College, Cambridge,” said Rossi, director of orchestral and choral activities at Eastern.

Eric Milner-White, the recently appointed dean of King’s, planned this year’s service.

Milner-White believed the Church of England needed more imaginative worship and the Festival of Lessons and Carols was the result, Rossi said.

It has been broadcasted annually since 1928 and continued through World War II after several precautions were taken.

The services are now performed throughout the world, and for many, this service signals the true beginning of the Christmas season, Rossi said.

“In the midst of finals, students can prepare their hearts and minds,” the Rev. Cynthia Jones said.

Jones and her husband, the Rev. Mike Jones, share the church where the event will take place.

Lessons and Carols consists of traditional Old English writings and hymns by candlelight.

Everyone is invited to sing along, Jones said.

Those attending should arrive at least a half an hour early because seating has run out in previous years, Jones said.

The church is prepared to hold about 450 people.

The performance will be held tonight at 7:30.