CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR
THE IWU COMMUNITY'S INTENTIONAL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Tinsel and gift wrap can easily overshadow the celebration of Christ’s birth in our culture, but in the homes of IWU faculty, staff, and students, Jesus takes center stage. Their Christmas traditions are as unique as they are, but their heart is the same—to emphasis Jesus’ birth. Be encouraged by the intentionality of these faculty to celebrate the season in its truest form. May it be an encouragement to reflect on your own intentional Christmas traditions.
DR. ERIN DAVIS
PhD, HSPP, ACC Professor, Division of Graduate Counseling, IWU National & Global
For my family and I, being together and enjoying each other's company is at the heart of Christmas. We often honor my mom's favorite tradition, which was going to the Christmas Eve candlelight service with all the grandkids.
Now, those "kids" are all in their 20s, but we still go, still try to blow out each other's candles at the end, and honor Mom's presence with us. And honor Christ's presence with us. Our immanent God, always with us.
I find the words from the St. Patrick Breastplate Prayer to be ever true, and especially powerful during those sweet, quiet, candlelit, together (and aware of those who are with us in spirit only) moments on Christmas Eve.
DR. BRENT MOORE '22
PhD, LCPC, School of Integrated Health; Chair, Division of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Professor of Psychology, IWU National & Global
Maintaining focus on Christ during the Christmas season is essential. Our family incorporates scripture reading using an advent calendar to anchor our thoughts. We worship to express our devotion and reinforce our identity in Christ. We honor Christ during the season by intentionally serving others as a family. The season always offers special memories as we think of the past.
MARIO RANGEL '10, '12, '15
Executive Director of Intercultural & Global Office, IWU-Marion
Each December, the Rangel family gathers to celebrate Christmas in a vibrant, multicultural style. With family members of Mexican, Japanese, White, and African American heritage, the celebration is a lively blend of flavors and traditions. A feast of diverse dishes fills the table, with homemade tamales taking center stage. The festivities begin with a prayer, giving thanks for health, provision, and the love of Jesus' birth and resurrection, setting a tone of gratitude and connection. After the meal, the fun continues with a white elephant gift exchange where each person must immediately wear, use, or display their gift, sparking laughter and creativity. This holiday tradition reflects the family’s shared values and unique cultural tapestry, creating cherished memories year after year.
DR. R. NATHANIEL FOSTER '00, '22
PhD, LAT, ATC, NCC, LMHC-A Executive Dean, School of Integrated Health, IWU National & Global
Before a late-night Christmas Eve service, we read the story of Barrington Bunny, a beloved tradition in our family for as long as I can remember. The story of Barrington Bunny reminds us of Christ’s kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas Day with a focus on Jesus and his unconditional love and grace. We sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus in the AM, and then the next four days begin our family’s tradition of “pajama days.” This is a time for just our immediate family to stay home, play board games, read books, and enjoy each other's company without any work or travel obligations. This space, where “Love Always Wins,” allows our family to celebrate Christmas' spiritual and relational aspects warmly and meaningfully.
MICHELLE HAWK ’01, ’06
Professor - Modern Language, Literature, & Communication, Practicum/Student Teacher Supervisor, IWU-Marion
We celebrate Christ as the "reason for the season" in several different ways. We first usher in the season with the book The Very First Christmas by Suzanne Berry. My parents recorded themselves reading the story and gifted it to my kids years ago, and we still love listening to them read the story to begin each Christmas season. Then, my daughter and I put up the nativity scene, which my grandmother made and passed down to me. We also display our collection of other nativity scenes from different countries. Our family has an advent wreath and daily devotions we like to do together after dinner. We participate in local service projects either through our church or school. Our favorite church service of the year is the candlelight Christmas Eve service. During family gatherings, the oldest member of the family reads the Christmas story.
DR. DANIEL EN-HAO LIN
Associate Professor of Music, IWU-Marion
My family and I typically do an advent calendar for December each year. Each day contains a bible passage that focuses on the Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah and the birth of Christ. There is always a sense of joy and anticipation as we journey through each day together, culminating on Dec. 25. We have found this to be especially beneficial for our children, who need a constant reminder of the reason why we celebrate Christmas.
ESTHER GILLIAM ’26
IWU Student, IWU-Marion
My family and I have worked hard to keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Every Christmas morning, my family tops off our advent tree with a crown of thorns to remember what the manger ultimately points to. Similarly, we have a manger in our front yard that we place a baby doll in on Christmas morning. Every Christmas starts off with constant reminders of what this holiday is for: a humble beginning for our Savior.