Bethel Provides a Global Perspective in This Year's Christmas Concert

The Bethel College Music Department will present this year’s Christmas concert “The Whole World Rejoices” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 and again at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center Auditorium at Bethel College.

This year’s multicultural concert will feature performances by the Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, The Collegians, Voices of Triumph, Chamber Orchestra and Marilynn Ham. A diverse repertoire in many languages will proclaim spiritual riches and truth through music as well as celebrate the season. “Betelehemu,” “The First Nowell,” “Gesu Bambino” and “Sussex Carol” are just a few of the pieces that will be performed.

“We have a tradition of providing a meaningful Christmas concert to the community every year. It is both an educational and worship experience. Our hope this year is that by singing Christmas carols and pieces from other countries that we’ll display more of a sense of global celebration,” said Director Robert Ham.

All are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available through the ticket office at 574.807.7080. The Dec. 5 concert at 7:30 p.m. will be interpreted for the d/Deaf community.

Bethel College is an accredited Christian college offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 70 areas of study. The current enrollment of more than 2,100 includes students from 34 states and Puerto Rico, 19 countries, more than 25 denominations and 16 percent from culturally diverse backgrounds. Scholarships are available based upon a variety of factors including academic achievement, talent in the arts or athletics, ethnicity and church affiliation. In addition to its beautifully wooded 75-acre main campus in Mishawaka, Ind., Bethel also offers specific academic programs at sites in Elkhart, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind., Dowagiac, Mich., and St. Joseph, Mich. Nursing programs are also offered in cooperation with Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind.