December 1
Behind the Scenes
by William D. Murphree Jr.

Twenty-five years…WOW! Can it really be that it has been 25 years since we started the Living Christmas Tree? It seems to me that it was just yesterday that I was in the church van going to Montgomery with the music committee to see this thing called a Living Christmas Tree. Little did any of us know where this would lead us in the future! I was captivated by the sound and lights of the tree and I knew (even as a teen) that FBC Huntsville had to capture this type of Christmas celebration. I guess you could say that is where my “behind the scenes” service started. It was several years later that we made the purchase of the “Tree” and that is when I found out just how much goes into this presentation. The Singers start learning the music, the Tree is constructed, and decorated. The tech crew installs all the microphones, pulls all the power cables and checks out all the lights. The Singers start their preparations in the September time frame. All the other activities happen a week to two weeks before the first presentation. I have had the privilege of singing on the tree but at the same time working with the tech crew during those days leading up to the presentation. This was always a blessing to do both. In the past few years I have taken on more of the tech responsibilities, first as Assistant Lighting Director and now as Lighting Director. This has been a very rewarding change both personally and spiritually. The lights are the most visible part of the LCT, and it is really a thrill to hear the big gasp when the tree lights come on for the first time, but it is at that time that I have to remember (as we all need to) why we have the LCT presentations. It is a celebration, a celebration of a gift given in love….the Gift of God’s Son who came to be a Servant to all as well as the Savior to all. God gave us all gifts and I am trying to use the gifts he gave me to help present the Gospel to Huntsville and the surrounding area though my service behind the scenes.

Take a few minutes now to think about the passage from Mark and ask God if He will show you ways in your own life to “serve behind the scenes.”

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45