CBU celebrates Christmas season traditions with tree lighting

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2016) – Students, faculty and staff ushered in the holiday season at the annual California Baptist University Christmas event on the Front Lawn on Dec. 1.

“This is a chance for the CBU community to come together and celebrate the Christmas holiday and experience some of the special traditions we hold for the season,” said Kristin Waters, director of campus activities in Community Life.

The event, attended by approximately 2,000 people, was organized by Community Life and the Associated Students of California Baptist University (ACSBU). This year the event aimed to focus on the traditions of the season, said Makenna Lammons, ASCBU president.

“We want to zero in on the reason for the season,” Lammons said. “It’s a more intimate feel. We want the focus to be, we’re lighting the Christmas tree, we’re celebrating Jesus’ birth.”

Attendees warmed up with hot cider and cocoa on the chilly evening while the chapel band performed, and CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis read from Luke 2, which records the birth of Jesus. Then a School of Music choir sang “Silent Night” as people lit their candles, which they had received earlier. All the lights went out and then the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting occurred.

After that, attendees decorated gift tags, signed letters to military troops, played games, watched the classic movie “White Christmas” and enjoyed treats.

Michael Sandy, a chemical engineering junior, enjoyed the tree lighting.

“It gets you in the Christmas spirit,” Sandy said. “All in all, it’s just a great CBU tradition.”

Madison Taylor, a journalism junior, came with friends to get a picture next to the tree.

“I think it brings all of us together, and it’s a great way to relieve ourselves from all that stress (of school work) and just enjoy some time off,” Taylor said.