Campus Christmas tradition continues, bringing joy to Liberty students
Liberty University continued its Christmas tradition Monday, Nov. 26, when students gathered in front of DeMoss Hall to celebrate the third annual “Christmas in Lights.”
Holiday cheer — Students gather for the annual “Christmas in Lights” event. Photo credit: Carter Brown
The unique event gives students the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season on their college campus.
“‘Christmas in Lights’ is one of the most unique events that we host throughout the school year,” Student Activities Promotion Manager Stephanie Ward said. “It’s always hard for students to come back from Thanksgiving break and get into the swing of things, but ‘Christmas in Lights’ helps them feel like Christmas is right around the corner.”
Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., along with his wife, Becki, and his daughter, Caroline, joined students for the lighting of the massive Christmas tree positioned in front of the DeMoss Hall main stairway.
The night began with Christmas carols from a combination of Liberty student choirs and musicians.
“Falwell welcomed everyone and told the story of last year’s Christmas tree lighting, when Arielle Bielicki, a Liberty student, approached him and asked if she could light the star on the top of the tree.
“It was raining and I wanted to go home, so I said ‘Yes,’” Falwell said.
This year, Falwell surprised everyone with the announcement that the student who caught his water bottle would get to help light the tree.
“He said he was going to throw the water bottle and I was in a pretty good spot,” Liberty freshman Christopher Taylor said. “I wasn’t right in the front, but I wasn’t real far back. He threw it and I just caught it.”
Before lighting the tree, Falwell entertained students and guests with stories of the family tradition at his farm.
“What my kids like to do every year is to go outside on Christmas Eve with a 12-gauge shotgun and shoot mistletoe out of the trees,” he said.
Taylor and Bielicki joined the chancellor for this year’s lighting of the tree.
“The night was fun, and I enjoyed lighting the star,” Bielicki said.
Becki Falwell is credited with coming up with the idea for “Christmas in Lights.”
“She thought it was almost a sin for the largest Christian university not to have a Christmas tree and lots of decorations,” Falwell said.
“It creates a sense of unity in being a part of a tradition here at the university, and we love fostering relationships in that way,” Ward said. “It’s such an honor to take part in such an awesome event that starts the Christmas season here at Liberty.”