TORONTO – As Canadians anticipate this weekend’s event marking the traditional launch of the festive season—the Toronto Santa Claus Parade—Wycliffe College will be using seasonal decorations to invite passersby to participate in the beauty of Christmas, even as they learn about Christian traditions.
For the second year, the College lawn at the corner of Queen’s Park Crescent West and Hoskin Avenue, is featuring five tall trees composed entirely of lights: three purple, one pink, and one white tree — symbolizing the traditional colours of the candles in an Advent wreath. A sign at the site of the installation directs people to wycliffecollege.ca/advent2017 where they can learn about Advent: a time in the Church calendar of preparation for the coming of the Christ child into the world, and access weekly Family Advent Meditations.
“This installation is our Christmas gift to the community,” says Shelley McLagan, Development and Communications Manager at the College. “We want to encourage pedestrians to pause, enjoy the beauty of the lights, snap a selfie in front of the trees, and share it on social media using the hashtag #WycliffeLights.”
As one of Canada’s oldest evangelical, theological graduate schools, located at the heart of the University of Toronto campus in the core of this nation’s most diverse and populous city, Wycliffe is well-positioned to speak into our culture — particularly during the Christmas season.
“Wycliffe Lights adds a bit of dazzle to the corner of Hoskin and Queen’s Park, and we hope people find them attractive,” says Stephen Andrews, Principal of Wycliffe College. “But they also make a statement. In a world that can be overwhelming in its darkness, we believe that there is a Light to be found that can dispel the darkness, give us hope, and lead us home.”
With roots in the Anglican tradition, for more than a century, Wycliffe has trained students from all Christian denominations to serve the global Church, to share the Good News of the Gospel, and to be lights to the world that needs them. Today, hundreds of Wycliffe alumni serve in a variety of vocational settings around the globe. From exercising leadership in the Church, to serving the poorest of communities, Wycliffe students carry and share the light found in Jesus, to thousands.
Contact:
Shelley McLagan
Development and Communications Manager, Wycliffe College
Ph: 416-946-3524
Email: smclagan@wycliffe.utoronto.ca
