The lights for a new City of Durant Christmas tree were turned on during a ceremony at Market Square last week after the downtown Christmas parade.
The tree was recently purchased by the city at a cost of $30,000 and in year’s past, the city has used a real Christmas tree at city hall. This year, it was decided to place the tree at Market Square.
City Manager Pam Polk, when speaking about the tree the day before the tree lighting ceremony, expressed excitement.
“I think everyone is going to love that Christmas tree,” Polk said. “You know, it just gets you in the spirit of Christmas and our citizens deserve something. I think this whole event with Main Street and Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the chamber and the city all coming together to make this event spectacular. I think it’s going to be like a little Hallmark Christmas movie.”
Before the lighting ceremony, Mayor Martin Tucker spoke of Jesus Christ and he said that Jesus has been a greater influence on humankind than all others.
“He brought to the world the simple message of peace on earth and goodwill to men,” Tucker said. “For Christians all across our nation, around the world, this is a sacred receiving that began more than 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ was born.”
Tucker said that the son of God is the light of the world and through Him is the promise of eternal salvation.
“So for us, Christmas is the birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when God so loved the world that he sent His only begotten son for forgiveness for our sins,” Tucker said. “So, this Christmas season reflects all that’s best in America which is an American spirit. This is a time of year for rejoicing with our family and our friends. We’re spreading charity and goodwill in our community and all over the country and forgiving things for all of the blessings in our lives.”
“We all again want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may this Christmas season bring peace to your heart, warmth to your homes, cheer to your spirit and joy to the world,” Tucker said. “Merry Christmas everyone, and may God bless you and keep you during this cherished holiday season.”
