The holiday spirit took over Rockwall County as local church communities gathered for a festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony included carol singing and performances by choirs and orchestras from the First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church. The sound of handbells accentuated the seasonal joy, adding a classic touch to the evening's entertainment.
Amidst the melodies and merriment, Rance Rushing, the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church, took a moment to reflect on the reason for the season, reading passages from the Gospel of Luke that tell of the birth of Jesus, an element of the ceremony that knitted together the fabric of faith and festivity for those in attendance. Generosity was also in the air as Cornerstone Church provided sweet treats and warm beverages, with cookies and hot cocoa serving as a comforting embrace against the December chill.
Expressing his gratitude, County Judge Frank New captured the sentiment of the night according to Rockwall County statement, "Special events like this remind us how fortunate we are to live, work, and raise our families in such an incredible community." Applauding the joint efforts, a special nod was given to individuals like Tommy Green, Trent Blackley, Dr. Michael Criner, and Rance Rushing, alongside the church congregations and Rockwall County Maintenance Department, who played roles significant in ensuring the success of this heartwarming tradition.
