“Experience a Contemplative Christmas … Through Trees” previously held in Spokane, Wash., will now take place in Goodyear in 2022.
This open house event was founded in 2018 by Rosella Reggin and her husband, Jim. The event features 25 themed, decorated trees that are designed to inspire reflection and contemplation telling the story of God and us from Genesis to Revelation.
Rosella was inspired by several biblical scriptures that mention trees and was prompted to highlight the story of Jesus’ birth. “We celebrate his birthday, but there’s so much more. We start at the beginning, with the word tree, because in the beginning there was the word of God…” The story is told metaphorically using symbols and words.
The next three trees represent the creation tree, the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil … and continues through the story.
Each person who arrives receives a program and then can take a leisurely self-tour enjoying the displays accompanied by Christmas carols in the background.
Folks can enjoy the sit-down Milk and Honey Café on the patio with Christmas treats and a hot beverage.
The Contemplative Christmas event runs from 4 to 8:30 p.m. daily Dec. 18-23 at Palm Valley Community Center, 14145 W. Palm Valley Blvd. Admission and parking are free. Any donations made during the event will benefit the veterans charity Bridges to Healing/Combat Trauma.
The Reggins and a crew of volunteers spend several days setting up the event. “We are grateful for this open door to share this event with the Goodyear community,” they said.
The event is currently privately funded, with sponsorships welcomed. Funds gifted during the event are given to the selected charity.
Keeping Christmas, Christmas.