Princeton, NJ, November 14, 2012–Princeton Theological Seminary will present three musical services of carols from around the world for the Seminary and Princeton communities on Monday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. in Miller Chapel. This annual Christmas tradition has continued for more than twelve years and offers a counterpoint to the more traditional Service of Lessons and Carols. The service includes readings, choral anthems, and congregational carols led by the Princeton Seminary Choir and international students and staff of the Seminary. After each identical service, everyone is invited to carol by candlelight outside of the chapel on the Seminary quadrangle.

A wide array of carols and anthems from different nations and cultures reflects the Seminary’s diverse student body. Of the 518 students enrolled for the 2012–2013 academic year, 20 are international students who come from Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Singapore. As part of the service, students, faculty, and staff will read Advent and Christmas scriptures in their native languages, including German, Spanish, Igbo, and Mandarin.

New this year is the carol  “Carol of the Drum,” a popular Christmas song known today as “The Little Drummer Boy.” It was originally based upon a traditional Czech carol.

Also included is a song from Australia titled “Southern Cross,” by composer and conductor Stephen Leek. For the oldest and smallest continent on the planet, the star formation of the Southern Cross is an important physical and symbolic icon for survival, and encapsulates a national pride. The five stars have traditionally assisted sailors in navigating their way to Australia, and on the land have been beacons of light leading the way across the vast open Australian spaces. In this cheerful work the Southern Cross is likened to the Star of the East that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem.

The event is free and open to the public. For directions to the campus and more information, visit www.ptsem.edu or call 609.497.7890.

Princeton Seminary was established in 1812 by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church as a post-graduate professional school of theology. Currently celebrating its Bicentennial, Princeton is the largest Presbyterian seminary in the country, with more than 500 students in six graduate degree programs.