La Sierra rings in the Christmas season with campus celebrations

La Sierra University campus members pose as part of a live nativity scene at the tree lighting event on December 5.

A student performs for the Christmas Tree Lighting festivities on December 5 at La Sierra University.

Director of Choral Studies Ariel Quintana, left, with La Sierra University President Christon Arthur pose following the 77th Annual Candlelight Concert on December 7.

A favorite campus tradition, the festive nighttime event offered a slate of activities from horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, and a live nativity scene to family activities such as face painting and opportunities to engage with art installations. Student club and department booths offered an array of holiday foods and games, including a campus favorite, cornbread and chili, hot chocolate, tea, and many kinds of sweets. A central stage for musical performances was set up in front of a large Christmas tree which at the appointed time, blazed forth in a shining display of white lights.

The Christmas Tree festivities anchored a number of holiday activities that took place around campus as December commenced. These included the cherished Candlelight Concert which gave its 77^th annual performance on December 7 at the La Sierra University Church and showcased the university's orchestra, chorus, and instrumental and vocal ensembles.

Campus student clubs, departments and dorms organized their own holiday moments - the Black Student Union held its first Soul Christmas worship event with sweet treats, soup and bread; Sierra Towers men's dorm offered gingerbread house making and cocoa; Calkins Hall, an ornament and cooking decorating party, while Angwin Hall showed off its beautiful lobby Christmas trees on Instagram.

The athletics department got in on the act with an ugly holiday sweater open gym night for the intramurals program complete with free cookies.

In an acknowledgement of the difficulties that the holidays can pose for many who have lost loved ones, a Blue Christmas Tree at Calkins Hall provides an opportunity through the end of December to remember and honor them by placing a special tag on the tree bearing their name. Resources for pastoral and counseling support are also available.

Visit the links above to view photo albums of the Christmas Tree Lighting and of the Candlelight Concert as well as a full concert video and coverage of the Candlelight Concert by the Pacific Union Conference's Connie Vandeman Jeffery, associate communications director and a La Sierra alumnus.

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