State Baptist churches use musical trees to share gospel

Across Alabama, churches have made Living Christmas Tree presentations some of the most anticipated holiday events in many communities.
   
The events, which can include hundreds of participants and elaborate lighting and sets, are often used by churches as an outreach ministry.
   
A Living Christmas Tree consists of a large platform built in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Choir members stand on risers and steps at various levels inside the tree while lights twinkle and other special effects are visible to those in the congregation. One tree can hold as many as 200 choir members and have more than 100,000 lights.
   
Many Baptist churches across the state have been using Living Christmas Tree presentations for many years — with proven results. Others are new to the ministry, but are finding that the event reaches many in their community with the gospel message.
   
First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Minister of Music Chip Colee said, “The Living Christmas Tree began here in 1981, so this will be our 24th consecutive year. Because of increased participation, in 1995 we added two smaller trees on either side of the larger, original tree.”
   
An expanded worship facility  completed this last year has meant another change for the performances, with a larger tree being added for upcoming presentations.
   
“The tree was modified so we’ll have one tree that will be expanded to hold around 150 people,” Colee said. “The new tree is 35 feet tall and loaded weighs about 34,000 pounds.”
   
Presenting a Living Christmas Tree  is a massive undertaking, and the 150 members of First, Montgomery’s, choir began working on the music in September. Other volunteers help in many ways.
   
“In addition to the choir, there are more than 200 people involved in everything from construction and tree decorations to parking, ushers, tickets, meals and other responsibilities,” Colee said.
   
Members of First Baptist Church in Huntsville where David Hull is pastor are also looking forward to a historic celebration this year, with the 20th anniversary presentation of its Living Christmas Tree.
   
This year’s presentation will reflect the many successful presentations of the past. “The choral works are different each year and consist of many different varieties of church Christmas music,” he said.
   
“Because this is the 20th anniversary of our Living Christmas Tree, the choral selections this year are made up of favorite selections from the past.”
   
Another special aspect of First, Huntsville’s, presentation is its “kid-friendly” Living Christmas Tree event, which will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 19.
   
Realizing that young children may not enjoy a full-length presentation, a special Sunday afternoon event has been designed especially for them.
   
The program is much shorter, incorporating the selections that will most likely be enjoyed by children and eliminating the traditional narration. The atmosphere is casual.
   
The full version of Living Christmas Tree will also be televised locally in Huntsville on Christmas Day on WHNT, Channel 19.
   
For Pastor Jim Wright, church staff and the members of First Baptist Church in Centre, the Living Christmas Tree  ministry is a relatively new experience.
  
In just its fifth year, the church’s performances involve approximately 130 people including choir and drama team members, technical helpers and construction workers.
   
The church’s “tree” has also been upgraded this year to provide expanded visual effects.
   
“We have around 50,000 lights on our tree, which are all synchronized with music via computer,” Ronnie Reid, minister of worship for First, Centre, said.
   
“This year we have upgraded our lighting system to enable the tree to do new and exciting things, as well as control lighting through the sanctuary.”
   
Churches that have presented Living Christmas Tree concerts attest to the fact they provided a special ministry to the community. Often, the ministry leads directly to decisions for Christ.
  
Visitors are drawn to the events because of their nature — they provide a special holiday atmosphere for the Christmas season.
   
“Many people have come to Christ during the Living Christmas Tree,” Colee said. “Many times this is a nonthreatening way to invite lost friends to come to church.”
   
Reid agreed that the presentations provide wonderful outreach and witnessing opportunities.
   
“It is a great outreach event for us. We do not charge for our performances and consider it our gift to the surrounding area,” Reid said.
   
“Because of this, we are able to present the gospel in a unique and nonthreatening way and have seen many decisions for Christ as a result.”
   
In that respect, ministers say that Living Christmas Tree presentations often make up their best evangelistic efforts of the year.
   
“The Living Christmas Tree is a Christmas gift to the community that draws people to Christ through our church,” Colee said. “It’s creative intentional evangelism at its best.
   
“Our pastor (Jay Wolf) calls it the ‘Living Christmas Tree Revival,’” Colee noted. “What other revival or evangelism event brings this kind of harvest?”