Our family has found that there is no better place to experience the weeks before Christmas than the campus of Hope College. The days fill with anticipation and joy as the snow falls, the decorations go up, and worship services at Dimnent Chapel celebrate the Advent season.
One new tradition at Hope College is the Christmas Tree Lighting at the President’s Home, which took place this year on a snowy Friday in late November. Braving the cold, students joined us for carols, hot chocolate and cookies around the tree. The clear night sky showcased the stars above, calling to mind the Star of Bethlehem that announced to the world the birth of Jesus.
Two millennia later, we still rejoice at Christ’s birth, humbly inspired by the humanity and divinity of God the Son. This is indeed a season of hope — a season that reminds us of the importance of preparing our students to live, love, lead and serve God’s creation.
We have much about which to be overjoyed this season. Our family has been blessed with another wonderful year with the Hope College community, and for that, we are deeply grateful. We wish you a Christmas that is filled with happiness and rejoicing, no matter where in the world you are celebrating!
John and Kelly Knapp
Enjoy a video greeting from Hope's First Couple, John and Kelly Knapp