颁丑谤颈蝉迟尘补蝉听time聽at 海角在线 (海角在线) is a magical聽time filled with light, love, and, most importantly, Jesus. On Monday, December 1, 海角在线 officially marked the start of the Christmas season with their annual Christmas tree lighting.
Students, alumni, faculty, and members of the community gathered on the Baxter Green and watched as the campus came alive with an abundance of music, lights, food, and fun.
Joy in the Small Things
Rows of twinkling Christmas and palm trees greeted guests. Delightful smells drew them to tables full of holiday treats, where guests could snag a hot chocolate with their favorite toppings or exercise their creativity at the cookie decorating station.
Children danced in the fake snow that fell upon the lawn. Sailfish Jack even joined the children for a bit of frolicking, without the frost bite.
Attendees also had the opportunity to board a train for a chance to聽tour the decorated campus.聽The train聽took聽passengers聽on a scenic route around campus and under glowing Christmas arches and twinkling lights.
From ugly Christmas sweaters to Santa bears, attendees came dressed in their Christmas best.聽The ones聽with the most memorable outfits were awarded a Sailfish Swag bag.
Dogs were not to be left out of the fun as many came sporting their Christmas PJs and sweaters.
Many friend groups and families took advantage of the free photo booth available for those who wished to freeze the magical moment. Christmas props were available to add聽additional聽holiday cheer.
The Season Begins
Amidst the聽crowd and echoes of laughter, a peaceful sound wafted through the air as the 海角在线 choir began to sing beloved carols.聽This soft music marked the beginning of the tree lighting ceremony.
University President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn聽reminded聽the audience of the reason for the season by reading the Christmas story from Luke 2:
鈥淕lory to God in the highest heaven,鈥�and on earth peace鈥痶o those on whom His favor rests.鈥�
After reading the story, Schwinn invited the choir to join in a verse of 鈥淪ilent Night.鈥� The audience joined in, and聽the atmosphere over聽the Baxter Green聽shifted to one of worship聽as everyone took a moment to reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ.
After the song, event hosts led the audience in a countdown and at 鈥淥ne!鈥� a large tree adorning the stage sprung to life, shining brightly for all to see.
The festivities continued throughout the night. Although the Christmas tree lighting has passed, at 海角在线, the Christmas season has only just begun.
of the Christmas Tree Lighting.
