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Winter Haven Christmas Boat Parade

By: Advent Devotional

Posted: December 5, 2020

Category: Daily Devotional

Thirty-two years ago, we moved from Mississippi to Winter Haven. We were lucky enough to arrive the weekend of the Christmas Boat Parade. Saturday evening, we took the kids, along with the visiting grandparents, to see our first Chain of Lakes Boat Parade. The parade was so beautiful from the canal between Lake Howard and Lake Shipp where we were watching! Cori was only ten and Sam was 5. We were intrigued by this beautiful event. In our hearts we knew that we would be happy in this new place.

Our family has wonderful memories of different parades through the years. Whether we were decorating our boat for the event or preparing picnic baskets to carry along on friends’ boats, the tradition has carried on throughout the years. Now we are passing this tradition on to our grandchildren.

The first Saturday in December kicks off the holiday season with Carols in the Park during the day and the Christmas Boat Parade in the evening. It’s a wonderful way to way to begin the Christmas celebration. Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes is unique and the boat parade is another special way to showcase our most valuable asset, our lakes!

~ Marilyn and Bob Sheffield

Luke 2:20

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, we thank You for missionaries who crossed the seas to tell the good news of Jesus Christ to those who had yet to hear and believe. We, too, have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. As we enjoy the holiday celebration, let us not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. In His name, we pray, Amen.