Festive music, hot chocolate and Christmas lights welcomed the 11th annual Lighting of the Green Tuesday night in Allen Arena.
Amy Grant returned as the host of the evening with guest artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Odessa Settles, Jon and Valerie Guerra, 3for3 and a group of over 150 academy and university chorus students.
Lipscomb’s own Arcadian Wild also performed during the show. Sarah Wood, a junior and founding member of the band, was awarded the first Amy Grant scholarship.
Wood was selected based on her artistry within the College of Entertainment and the Arts as well as her philanthropy work with the Tennessee prison ministry.
“Not only is she someone with great talent,” Presidential Spouse Rhonda Lowry said. “But she’s one that does something that matters.”
Before the show began, guests were invited to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit several local business venders made available inside Allen Arena.
Attendees also received hot chocolate and cookies courtesy of the Lipscomb Theatre Department.
“Doing this is a great way to hand out Christmas joy, especially to families with young kids who just get so excited to be here,” sophomore Katie Woytach said.
Grant performed a number of her Christmas-themed hits during the show, including “Emmanuel” and “Tennessee Christmas.”
“I grew up listening to Amy Grant on tapes in my mini van with my mom, so I hear these songs and it brings back memories from Christmases my entire life,” sophomore Caroline Sutton said.
During the show, Grant discussed her partnership with the Barefoot Republic summer camp. She invited founder Tommy Rhodes on stage with her to promote the mission of Barefoot and discuss how a camp like this benefits children of all ages and ethnicities.
“Barefoot is just a little glimpse of heaven,” Rhodes said. “It’s a Christ-centered, multi-cultural camp. We’ve just seen God reaffirm His vision over the past 14 summers and in the lives of over 7,500 students.”
Rhodes then introduced the Barefoot Stomp Team who made music on stage with their feet, trash cans and drum sticks.
The evening concluded with the lighting of Lipscomb’s 30-foot Christmas tree located in the Allen Arena Mall.
University President Randy Lowry invited Wood on stage with him to do the honors of lighting the tree. Due to the show being held indoors, the lighting was broadcast into the arena from the mall.
“The warmth of Christmas is something that cannot be understated — that family feel that you get,” Sutton said. “It’s hard when you’re away from home to get that feeling during the Christmas season, but the Lighting of the Green really brings that warmth to campus.”
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