Illuminated tree aimed at revival of traditions of past, Advent observance

By Brian Boyenga

Mirror Staff Writer
November 30, 2007

As this semester’s gloomy finals week draws nearer, the lighting of the Christmas tree brightened the mood of Augustana students. The lighting of the tree ceremony, held outside the Morrison Commons Thursday, Nov. 29, kicked off the holiday season on campus.

The tree is illuminated by nearly 1,200 lights, a number that doubled from last year. The LED lights also use 80 percent less electricity, making this year’s Christmas tree a little more “green.”

“We wanted this to be a revival of tradition,” said Emily Drommerhausen, director of college events. The lighting of the tree ceremony was partly inspired by a photo in Augustana Today of a Christmas tree decorated outside East Hall in 1950.

Junior Jessica Maske offered a prayer for the ceremony’s opening invocation. “The ceremony is an expression of finding the light of Christ in the darkness,” Maske said.

Maske said it is hoped that the excitement surrounding the ceremony will become a new tradition of celebrating the Advent season.

Augustana Choir members gathered to sing the seasonal favorite, “O Christmas Tree.” The songs and festivities outside were accompanied by games and crafts inside, as well as a movie and gingerbread house decorating.

A poem recited by professor Patrick Hicks, written specifically for the tree-lighting ceremony, added a creative touch to the event.

“The poem plays around the idea of creation, symbolized by lighting the Christmas tree,” Hicks said. English professor Sandra Looney did the honor of illuminating the tree.

The ceremony also kicked off Christmas Giving, taking place again this year on campus. “This is a wonderful event to start the season of giving,” Hicks said. “Christmas has become far too much about consuming.”

“We hope this becomes a way for people to get excited about the Christmas season,” Drommerhausen said. “We want the tree-lighting ceremony to be a new tradition that continues in the years to come.”

With the tree alit, An Augustana Christmas begins. All on a Starry Night premiers Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30pm at First Lutheran Church, with additional services following on Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.