For the first time since 2001, First Baptist Church will present the Living Christmas Tree, and Brad Butler will direct the choir.
Around 50 people will be singing as part of the tree in 3 performances this weekend. The majority of the choir’s members have performed in the tree and under the direction of Butler, previously, at Bristow’s First Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church in Sapulpa.
Members of the choir expressed being blessed to share the gospel through music and celebrating Jesus’ birth with friends old and new with several describing this year’s Living Christmas Tree as a family or school reunion. In fact, many members of the original tree performances returned for this year’s special presentation, including more than a dozen from other cities and towns. For example, Bill and Lana Liggett excitedly jumped at the opportunity to join the choir and have driven to every practice from their home in Edmond. Director Brad Butler and his wife have driven from Sapulpa as have many others. Additionally, Butler’s own children, who previously performed in the tree at Bristow and Sapulpa will also be performing in the tree this weekend.
Moreover, each member of the production hopes the community will be as blessed as they have been through the performance. Dr. Zeddie Cantrell said, “[The tree] is such a unique way to present the gospel. [We’ve experienced a] sense of nostalgia but mostly excitement for whole new audience to experience God’s word like they’ve never before seen. The LCT was one of my favorite memories growing up at FBC. I can’t wait for everyone to see it again.”
George McMillan, who lost his wife, best said it this way: “[When performing in the tree] You’re helping people through some of the loneliest times of their lives, which I now understand with the passing of my wife. How can you not feel good about that? … A lot of people come, who are not Baptists, and with the chaos that the country is experiencing right now, we all need a little of the fun and childhood memories of Christmas and time spent with friends and family. Spending it with Jesus as the focus makes it even better. I encourage everyone to come out and be blessed with us.”
Living Christmas Tree performers include Sherry Barnes, Zeddie Cantrell, Luann Davis, Shelly Elmore, Bill Henshaw, Tim Huff, Lana Liggett, Cammi Misner, David Roberts, Brooke Smith, Lynn Speir, Robert Thompson, Amy Tyler, Brandel Waters, Kathy Willeford, Brad Butler, Letha Caudle, Mike Davis, Mavis Glisson, Gina Henshaw, Traci Huff, Rachel Linfoot, Elizabeth Monzingo, April Rogers, Georgia Smith, Kim Tankersley, David Turner, Rachel Vanzant, Shane Waters, Vicki Williams, Tammi Butler, Dusty Davis, Cyndy Ellis, Whitni Greer, Tommy Herman, Bill Liggett, George McMillan, Karli Myers, Aaron Smith, Jessica Smith, Ray Tankersley, Jaclyn Turner, Kara Walton, Jo Willeford, and Emily Winter.
Additional servants involved in presenting the Living Christmas Tree include Jimmy Pilkington, Justin Whitehouse, Merle Allison Jr., Tim Davis, Jordan Myers, Sherry Roberts, Jeremy King, Josh Greer, Kevin Taylor, Jen Taylor, Matt Smith, Frank Judeman, Rita Judeman, Dana Parish, Beth Todd, and Don Vanzant.
As for those 3 performances? First Baptist Church will present the Living Christmas Tree in two performances at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 8. Additionally, Butler invites the public to attend the group’s dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 7, at 3 p.m., so as many people have the opportunity to attend as wish to see it.