Lipscomb’s Lighting of the Green celebrates two decades of Christmas cheer

Amy Grant and friends celebrated two decades of holiday tradition at Lipscomb’s 20th Annual Lighting of the Green, featuring music, memories, and community spirit. 

This year’s lineup included Grant’s husband and country music legend Vince Gill, who joined the festivities with performances of holiday favorites. Adding to the celebration were The Arcadian Wild and Daves Highway, two guest groups who brought unique harmonies and energy to the event. 

Alongside them all stood the Lipscomb Academy and University choirs. University music groups, Sanctuary and the Lipscomb Gospel Choir all contributed.  

A tribute video honored 20 years, while Amy Grant recapped the tradition from the beginning. Vince Gill, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman reflected on the anniversary.   

Students, alumni, and people throughout the community embraced the cold temperatures and gathered to celebrate. Lipscomb alum, Jeanette Midget Sockwell, who was selling her children’s book at the Merry Marketplace, was excited to see Amy Grant.  

“Big, big, big follower for a long, long time.”  

To Sockwell, there is nothing better than starting the holiday in community.  

“I just love this community. There’s a vibe in the air; don’t you feel it? There’s just a great feeling here and I think everyone’s here for the right reason and we’re ready to kick off Christmas.” 

For many people, attending Lighting of the Green is a family tradition. Former university Vice President Dr. Matt Paden stated it has been a key part of his holiday. 

“We’ve been a part of this since we came to Nashville 11, 12 years ago. And it’s always a great time to see a lot of people. And it’s a good way to get the holidays started.” 

Capping the night, Lipscomb University President Dr. Candice McQueen, announced that Alyssa Andrews, a junior worship arts major from Connecticut, would receive the Amy Grant Scholarship. A fund that helps inspire students who are working to pursue a career in music.  

To honor Amy Grant’s commitment to Lipscomb University, President McQueen presented her with the Kopio Award. Kopio comes from a Greek word that essentially means to labor to the point of exhaustion for the glory of God.  

To light the green, President McQueen, invited Walt Leaver, former university president Dr. Randy Lowry, former vice president of advancement, Joe Ivey, and Amy Grant. All four guests were involved in making Lighting of the Green a reality from the beginning, lighting the tree for the 20th time.