At this year's holiday lighting ceremony at the University of Oklahoma, David L. Boren, president of OU, described the holiday season as not just a time of celebration, but a time of challenge.
He followed that statement with a challenge to the almost 100 people gathered in the Coach Cafeteria. He encouraged them to share the blessings of love that they have received.
"What will you do for someone else?" he asked the audience.
The remainder of his speech focused on the role love plays in a successful campus and a united world.
"The greatest power of all is really love," he stated. He described the community work of OU students, placing special emphasis on the Big Brother/Big Sister program, which he said has grown from 90 to 1,100 volunteers in 10 years.
"It's the true Sooner spirit and it's the spirit we share during this season," Boren said, finishing his address.
Professor Barbara Boyd, director of outreach for the religious studies program at OU and adjunct professor of religious studies, echoed Boren's sentiment.
"The heart of Christmas is the ultimate expression of love," she said. She added that, to her, the ultimate gift of love is acceptance.
Tom Boyd, another OU professor in religious studies, stepped in as the Muslim representative for the holiday celebration. The speaker originally scheduled was not able to attend.
"I'm not a Muslim; I'm not the son of a Muslim. But a lot of my friends are Muslims," he said. His friendships, he stated, have transformed his view of the increasing American Muslim community. He, too, issued a challenge to those in attendance to share love this holiday season by reaching out in friendship.
"I dare you to become personally acquainted with one Muslim on this campus," he said.
The last speaker for the evening, Norman Stillman, is the director of Judaic history and program director of Judaic Studies.
Stillman spoke primarily of the emphasis of light during the holiday season, which is generally the darkest time of the year. He commented that although all religions celebrate for different reasons, there is a motif of light that is present in each belief system.
The thought reminded him of a verse from a popular Jewish chorus, which he sang for the audience. The verse translated in English to "We have come to dispel the darkness." He added to this one a later verse from the chorus, "Each one of us is a small light, but together we make a giant beacon."
Stillman's last thoughts segued well into the lighting of a menorah and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Santa Claus arrived after the ceremony to the eager applause of college students and children.
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OU holiday speakers challenge audience to show love this season
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