Biola officially welcomed the Christmas season on Friday evening, December 4, with the lighting of the University Christmas tree.

This beloved tradition, sponsored by the Alumni department, was centered around the Advent theme, “Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room,” and featured readings, Scripture, and favorite carols of the season. The Fragrance, a student worship band, provided leadership for the carol singing, and Rick Bee, senior director of alumni and friends development, hosted the evening.

Lighting the 2009 tree was Mrs. Anna Belle Cook, wife of Biola’s former president, Dr. Clyde Cook. Mrs. Cook shared her favorite Christmas story, telling of Dr. Cook’s proposal of marriage during the Christmas season, followed by the yearly countdown that culminates in flipping the switch to light the tree. The crowd of about 2,000 students, alumni, and friends of Biola roared their approval as the tree began to glow.

The evening began with a special holiday meal menu in the Café for students and guests alike, with “celebrity servers” Rick and Julie Bee, Anna Belle Cook, Betsy Johnson, and Erik, Donna and Caroline Thoennes serving ice cream for dessert, and members of the International Students Association were on hand to serve hot beverages near the tree lighting venue.