Dec 13
I WAS NOT ALONE!
by Jennifer Merrifield Willoughby

I don’t remember the year, exactly … was it 1992? I had been out of college for three or four years and had come back to live in Huntsville near my family. Since First Baptist Church had been a part of my family for many years, I jumped right in and got involved. Music makes me happy, so singing on the Living Christmas Tree became a joy for me.

My job as a social worker was taking a lot out of me. I was burning the candle at both ends – trying to do everything just right while not missing any holiday fun with my sister, friends, and family. When you are young and single, you never think to slow down (or maybe it has more to do with my Type A personality). All of the late practices and performances for the Living Christmas Tree were finally catching up with me. It was time for the second performance on Saturday night. I was getting a sore throat; it felt like a cold coming on!

The choir had been graciously fed in the Fellowship Hall following the first Saturday performance and we had rested a bit, but now it was time to load the tree for the final performance of the night. I was hanging in there by sheer determination, because I didn’t want to miss being there, doing my part, enjoying the experience. Half-way through the performance, I began to feel lightheaded and I needed to sit down. (Sitting down on the Living Christmas Tree is not really an option - there is just barely enough room to stand.) However, I was about to faint, so I slowly eased down with the help of my singing partners on either side, and I was able to sit on the scaffolding between their feet.

The beautiful singing continued, sounding absolutely heavenly. As I sat there resting for a few moments, gearing myself up for the rest of the performance, I began to look around me. I could see the inside of the Christmas Tree structure, and the deep cavity with its network of metal, wires, and lights above and below me. I could see the feet of all the singers, too. I was not alone! I was not the only person under the weather, or who had an ache or pain to overcome, or a heartache to set aside long enough to sing on that Tree – they were all giving generously and unselfishly. I also began to experience that mysterious strength God gives us, any of us, when we ask Him – especially when we are doing His work. I eased my feet back under me, took the hand of my fellow singers once again, and pulled myself back up into place, in the tree amongst the lights and greenery, and ready to sing the rest of the program.

Thank you God for the wonderful opportunities you place before us to share Your love with others around us, even those we do not know. Thank you for giving us strength when we really need it, and for the ability to put others needs before our own. Amen

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13