Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) annual Christmas tree lighting serves as fun for the whole community. On Thursday, December 5 on the Baxter Green, PBA welcomed students, faculty and other local members of the community to join in some Christmas fun, while also reminding everyone that Jesus is the reason for the season.
The event featured activities such as a Christmas train ride through campus, a pretzel bite bar, and a hot cocoa and cider bar. There was also a free photo booth, Christmas cookie decorating, crafts, and even a best dressed competition, where the winner was awarded a Sailfish swag bag.
PBA sophomore Anna Fumurolo highlighted how busy the event was and how it attracted people from the community.
“The event shows community we are all together in this season of Jesus’ birth, and it’s another way to symbolize we are a Christ-centered campus,” she said. She delighted in PBA’s efforts to reach not only students but the whole community.
“Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect, have gratitude and celebrate, and that is what we are doing tonight,” said Dr. Debra Schwinn, PBA’s president, as she welcomed everyone to the annual celebration. Dr. Schwinn reminded the gathered crowd that if they think the world is a little dark, to think back to the age when Jesus was born. She reminded them that He came as a light, and He wants us to reflect that and be the light in today’s world.
Dr. Schwinn then read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20, directly from the Bible of PBA founder Jess C. Moody. When concluding, she left the community with the verse from Matthew 16:15, “‘But what about you? Jesus asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” As the whole crowd counted down from 10, the PBA Christmas tree was lit.
The night continued with live music from the University’s music program, with songs ranging from Christmas classics like “Last Christmas,” to hymns like “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.”
After the tree was lit, the night concluded with the playing of the Grinch movie on the Baxter Green, and the crowd even got to see snow fall on campus generated by a snow machine.
To learn more about PBA’s upcoming events, visit https://www.pba.edu/events/.
