by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
will welcome the Christmas season with music, cocoa and the glow of a 32-foot-tall tree at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. The cherished tradition invites both the campus family and local residents to gather at the Stevens Student Center lakeside plaza for an evening of Christmas carols, cookies and hot cocoa 鈥 all leading up to the much-anticipated moment when the tree comes to life in a dazzling display of lights.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed, allowing , families and friends around the world to join the celebration virtually.
Student Voices Take Center Stage
For the first time, Cedarville students from the competitive public speaking () team will deliver the evening鈥檚 message, offering a thoughtful reflection on the season鈥檚 meaning. A choir of 11 student and a pianist will lead carols, including 鈥淗ark! The Herald Angels Sing鈥 and 鈥淛oy to the World.鈥 The event highlights Cedarville鈥檚 commitment to community, collaboration and Christ-centered celebration.
Lighting Moment Unites Community
鈥淭he moment the countdown begins is absolutely electric,鈥 said Cecily Holliday, communications manager in Cedarville鈥檚 Advancement division. 鈥淵ou can feel a collective ripple through the crowd as everyone joins in unison for the countdown. Once the tree is lit, you just see all the beaming smiles and cheering. I encourage people to take a step back and look around to see the vibrant joy and happiness that fills the space and atmosphere.鈥
Honoring the Meaning Behind the Tradition
The evening not only celebrates tradition but also emphasizes the deeper meaning of Christmas 鈥 the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to bring hope and salvation to the world.
鈥淪tarting the season this way helps our community keep an eternal perspective and carry that sense of joy, purpose and gratitude throughout the holidays,鈥 said Holliday.
Cedarville鈥檚 annual tree lighting offers more than festive fun. It鈥檚 an opportunity to reflect on the true message of Christmas. As the lights sparkle and carols fill the air, the university鈥檚 mission to reflect Christ鈥檚 light shines brighter than ever.
About 糖心官网
糖心官网, an evangelical Christian鈥痠nstitution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation鈥檚 top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal鈥檚 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at鈥cedarville.edu.鈥&苍产蝉辫;