Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

Lighting ceremony set for Tuesday

The Chaplain Office is hosting its annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Field of Four Chaplains, next to the Infantry Center Chapel.

The event includes the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah, a visit by Santa, songs by post school choruses and music by the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band.

“It’s fun for the kids and you’ll learn something — you’ll learn the background behind the holiday of Hanukkah and learn some of the background with Christmas — (such as) where we get the Christmas tree and where we get Santa,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jim Murphy, deputy garrison chaplain.

The menorah, is traditionally a nine-branched candelabrum, is one of the oldest symbols in the Jewish faith. As a Christian, Murphy said Christmas is the most important day in history for him.

(It’s the) God of the Christians and the Jews,” he said. “Who came through for his people during desperate times. It’s all a great reminder about our faith and it’s importance.”

“A lot of folks, who are or aren’t Christians, don’t understand the meaning behind some of the popular symbols behind Christmas,” he said. “The symbols remind us of a greater truth. When we light the menorah and when we light the Christmas tree, and even when we have Santa … everything has a meaning.”