OXFORD, Ga. — The annual Southern Folk Advent will return to Oxford's Old Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7

Southern Folk Advent — a program bringing together folk, gospel and bluegrass music into a worship experience — has been an honored holiday tradition since its inaugural service in 1997, bringing Southern folk hymn into a modern form from the historic Sacred Harp tunebook, compiled in Georgia in 1844, according to an Oxford College news release.

Dr. E. Brooks Holifield — a prominent theology professor and award-winning author — will be the guest speaker this year. 

As the Charles Howard Candler Professor of American Church History Emeritus in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University., Holifield was described by his students as "brilliant" and "passionate," according to the release. He has written numerous books, relating to religious history and early American religion.

The program includes music by Meridan Chorale — directed by Dr. Steven Darsey, — with bluegrass musicians Leah Calvert and the Dappled Grays. The concert is sponsored by Oxford College's Pierce Program in Religion.

The program is free and open to the public.