A crowd gathered on the lawn of Salem St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kresgeville to witness the lighting of 20 Christmas trees and welcome a season of hope, plenty and generosity.

“As these trees are lit, let the glow be a power source of love,” said Jake Oravec from Boy Scout Troop 84 during his welcome remarks.

This was the 20th annual Veterans Memorial Tree Lighting and Lighting of Adam’s Faith Garden. The 4- and 5-foot trees were donated by Baumgartner Tree Farm and decorated by various organizations and businesses located in Polk Township.

The first tree lighting was held in 1997. Two years ago, the township and church partnered to host the event.

Joan McKinsey provided thoughts of the season, and compared what was going on in 1997 to what is occurring today in 2017.

Back then, “Titanic” was the number one movie and George Clooney was the sexiest man. This year, it’s the remake of “Beauty and the Beast” and Blake Shelton is the sexiest man, according to People magazine.

Just as 1997 had its share of high points and low points, so does the present day. Instead of statistics and celebrities, everyone remembers milestones and anniversaries.

“Twenty years of the same event is reason to celebrate,” she said.

She challenged the audience to seize the day and capture the moment.

“Time is our most valuable gift. It is only of value when you spend it,” she said.

Adam Jablonski created the faith garden as his Eagle Scout project, and it is dedicated for use by the community.

Adam died in 2013 at age 19. He had a rare form of cancer.

“I know he is here in spirit,” Sally Jablonski said of her late son as she read a poem titled “A Time to Love.”

Once lit, the trees sparkled with their white, blue, or multicolored lights.

Some of the trees are on the church lawn, adjacent to the faith garden. The others surround the Veterans’ Memorial along Route 209.

The ceremony ended with a candle lighting, Christmas carol singalong, and Santa’s arrival on a Polk Township firetruck.