On December 22, 2024, the NDU Choir, led by Father Khalil Rahme, brought a new meaning to Christmas, filling Bechara El Rai Theater with glorious singing and hope. The Christmas concert is a long-awaited tradition for the NDU community, their families, and friends. This year, however, they gathered in special, heartfelt prayers for a new beginning, marked by health, stability, and peace.
“We usually wish upon a shooting star, experiencing joy for a brief moment,” began Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU, after welcoming Father President Bechara Khoury and the esteemed guests. “But the real joy comes from the Christmas star, which always guides us to the enlightening truth.” Bou Hadir also praised the Blessed Virgin Mary – Notre Dame of Louaize, through whom all wars in our country have ended and hope has been rekindled in our hearts. The Mother of Jesus is also the patroness of this university, which is steadfastly committed to its mission: providing higher education with the ultimate aim of shaping better human beings and future leaders. This is achieved thanks to the persistent and faithful leadership of Father Bechara Khoury, who was invited to take the stage.
Father Khoury urged the packed audience to be born again after such dark times. “This Christmas is different. This Christmas belongs to people and nations that are trying to recover. We’ve all had enough, and we are tired. Let’s embrace a new Christmas, rising from the ruins that have covered us for more than 50 years. The birth of Jesus symbolizes a new dawn for all.” Father Khoury also emphasized NDU’s strong resolve to persevere through all challenges, guided by God’s love and hope, and learning from the tough lessons of the past. “This warm evening embodies our wishes, as we rise through music and chants. Let’s open our hearts to the melodies of our talented choir, always remembering to spread joy and love around us.”
The concert also featured a special tribute to the late composer Jihad Zeidan, whose unique talent is still missed in every play and musical piece produced at NDU. Zeidan composed many beautiful religious chants and theatrical pieces, including Ave Maria, performed by tenor Bechara Moufarrej in Budapest and orchestrated by Father Rahme. The moving performance mesmerized the audience, uniting them in prayer.
The choir performed a rich variety of Christmas chants with exquisite harmonies, guided by the focused and dedicated leadership of Father Rahme. Whether playing the triangle or leading with the violin, each instrumentalist played a role in establishing a true Christmas atmosphere. The concert concluded on a merry note with a glorious Hallelujah, praying for joy and peace at NDU and across the nation.