The Reverend Bazil Meade was realistic. "Most of you won't venture into a church over the next few days," he mused, gym-buffed in white T-shirt and trainers, from behind his keyboards. "So we have been commissioned to turn this place into a temple."

With its tricky acoustics, tinsel-wrapped stairs and row of holly wreaths, the Jazz Café didn't feel particularly holy. But the London Community Gospel Choir have been around a long time - 25 years, as it happens. They know how to work a room.

Back for their annual residency, this multi-denominational Walthamstow institution served up exuberant gospel music alongside festive cheer and a little light evangelism.

Backed by a funky band on electric guitars, synthesiser and drums courtesy of Reverend Meade's goatee-ed son Leon, the seven-strong choir performed vocal gymnastics, harmonised with gusto.

This was the young, hip version of the LGSC - five women, two men - drawn from a pool of some 50 musicians. A sort of Christian So Solid Crew in track pants and hoodies, they delivered staples including Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing with contagious optimism.

A smiling audience danced, clapped and sang along to original material among such rousing spirituals as Go Tell It On the Mountain. While none of the singers were a match for Annette Bowen - who has the pipes of an avenging angel, notably on the mighty flood warning It's Gonna Rain - all proved themselves worthy of the task.

Stylistically varied, commanding attention as an ensemble (they could lose a solo or two), they delivered Christmas spirit. "Love is what matters," said Meade, reminding us what Christmas is about.