During a time when the world seems more lost than ever, Jesus showed up center stage as individuals near and far declared His glory this Easter weekend.
One local church here in McIntosh County, Lighthouse Christian Center, presented a show-stopping, heart-changing message in their performance of Messiah 2025 with a cast and crew of over 100 which also included their choir. They had not presented Messiah since Easter 2022 and this was the first production since they had remodeled their stage with a 12 foot x 20 foot LED screen which allowed visitors to view the story of Christ in a whole new light and a totally immersive way.
As the choir sang several songs to include “Precious Lamb of God” and “We Love You, Jesus,” a cast that consisted of Jesus, the devil, disciples, priests, soldiers, lepers and dancers brought the incred- ible redemption story of Jesus Christ to life. From the birth of Jesus to the miracles performed by Jesus, scene after scene unfolded on stage and in the midst of a packed-out sanctuary as audience members who were visibly moved as Jesus took center stage during this production. During the crucifixion scenes, sobbing could be heard in the audience as spectators watched what the Savior went through to redeem mankind. Then as the resurrection scene unfolded, heartfelt expressions of gratitude created an atmosphere filled with communal celebration of a Risen Savior who was coming back again riding a white horse.
“The purpose of The Messiah Production is an outreach ministry to the community to tell the story of Jesus in such a way that brings a return to Biblical truth,” Lighthouse Senior Pastor John Parish stated. “There is no charge for the production and during the two nights of performances we hosted over 1,200 people from surrounding areas which included many outside church groups.”
All of the pastor’s grown children are part of the production. Andy Parish, who is the Lighthouse youth pastor, portrays Jesus, while associate pastor Jonathan Parish plays the devil, who is even booed by the audience as he appears in several scenes showing how he often uses manipulation and deception to fool even the religious. Joanna Parish also sings in the production and plays a biblical character during the live scenes, as do several of the Parish’s grandchildren.
“Our cast and crew sacrifice so much to make this program possible,” Jonathan Parish stated. “It all starts in January when practice begins. Then we practice every Monday night, right up until the actual production. Our crew spends countless hours, some even going into the early morning hours at church to finalize video production and programming of our special effects and lighting which bring the stage to life. We are truly honored to provide a production of this quality right here in Eufaula.”
For decades Lighthouse has brought several Easter and Christmas productions to their church stage and generation after generation has played their part to shine a spotlight on their Savior, Jesus Christ.
“My mother, Rhea Parish, has worked over 45 years in producing this program right here at The Lighthouse in Eufaula,” Andy Parish said. “She has lived here her entire life and her heart has always strived to serve this community just like her mother and my grandmother, Eunice Burns, did even before this lake was here. Therefore, we are truly humbled to carry on our calling to minister to this community and glorify Jesus through drama, music and new innovative ways to present The Gospel.”
Lighthouse wasn’t the only place where Jesus was being glorified this weekend.
American Idol used its prime-time TV program on Easter Sunday to put the focus on Jesus too. Several of the “Top 24” contestants sang faith-based songs proclaiming their relationship with Christ. Special guests, 17-time Grammy Award-winner CeCe Winans, sang her new single “Come Jesus Come” with Roman Collins and moved the judges to tears.
She stated “The Spirit of God is amazing. People who are hurting are being healed and set free…What an incredible night!”
Five-time Grammy Award-winner Brandon Lake and Grammy Award-nominated Jelly Roll also performed an amazing song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and Luke Bryan sang his song “Jesus’ Bout My Kids” which says “I used to talk to my kids about Jesus, but now I talk to Jesus about my kids.”
However, it was Checotah’s own Carrie Underwood that brought down the heavens as she gave God all the glory and belted out “How Great Thou Art” with so much conviction that everyone was on their feet, with many lifting up their hands in reverence as Jesus took center stage this Easter.
