Take a stroll down Liberty’s Christmas on the Boulevard music event this Sunday

One of Liberty University’s most popular Christmas traditions will make its way into thousands of homes across the country on Sunday, Dec. 13, as the Liberty University School of Music presents its annual Christmas on the Boulevard, streaming at 7:30 p.m. EST on the School of Music’s Facebook page.

This year’s program, titled “Hope Has a Name,” will feature the Liberty University Symphony Orchestra, Combined School of Music Choirs, Shine, Chamber Singers, E-41, and Vessel, amongst others. The show will also include surprise appearances by several special guests.

“This year has been a struggle and hardship for millions,” School of Music Dean Dr. Stephen Müller said. “Yet in the midst of the difficulties, depression, and despair that so many have felt, we are reminded that Jesus came to bring comfort, joy, and peace to a world in desperate need. We’re reminded that Jesus not only came to bring Hope, but that He is our hope. Hope has a Name, and His Name is Jesus.”

Müller said that 2020 has reminded him of the commonalities between today’s society and the culture that Jesus Christ grew up in.

“Even in the weirdest of weird years, the message of Christmas has not changed, the hope of Christmas has not changed, the Christ of Christmas has not changed,” Müller said. “What I’ve been reminded of lately is that Christ was born in a messed up time. This encourages me that no matter how messed up things seem to be today, Christ brings peace, hope, and even joy.”

The show has been pre-recorded for the first time since the tradition began in 2001. Previously held in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts Concert Hall, the event has become so popular in recent years that the school extended it from one night to three nights beginning in 2014.

“I think that both friends and family of Liberty in the greater Lynchburg area really looked forward to it because everyone dressed up in their Christmas attire and after the event they would have hot chocolate and cookies for people out in the lobby,” Müller said. “This year we will still be giving people a chance to enjoy the program, in a safe way.”

Continuing the event despite the pandemic was important to the School of Music staff, he added.

“It has always been the School of Music’s Christmas gift to the university as a whole as well as to the Lynchburg community.”