The Messiah came to McIntosh County once again. Over the course of two nights almost 1,200 people witnessed His return, but how many missed it? Though there have been several productions over the years, Messiah 2026 was one of the best, moving captivated crowds each night to their feet as the Holy Spirit stirred their hearts.
Jesus was depicted by Lighthouse youth pastor Andy Parish who said, “The Messiah program is one of the various ministries of the Lighthouse. It’s an effective way to illustrate the passion of Jesus Christ to our community. Through dedication, commitment, and faithful service, our entire church body becomes a part of the Easter story.”
This was true as every member of the Parish family down to the tiniest Shepherd Parish was part of the Messiah this year. Joanna Parish sang a solo. Even Lighthouse associate pastor Jonathan Parish who played the devil worked as hard on stage as he did behind the scenes.
“This was our 2nd production since we remodeled the stage in the late spring of 2022, adding a 12-foot by 20-foot LED big screen,” Jonathan Parish said. “The screen helps us present this production, as well as other events and services, on a different level than before. It allows us to tell the story of Jesus and worship our sooncoming Messiah in a totally immersive way.
“I am amazed every year at what we are able to produce from right here in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
It is a total team effort, and really a miracle the way it comes together. To God be all the glory. We are honored and humbled to be able to present the gospel in such a way.
“Our cast and crew sacrificed so much to make this possible. It all starts in January when practice begins. We practice every Monday night up until the production. Our crew spends countless hours, some even spending late nights into early morning hours at the church in video production and programming of our special effects and lighting. We are truly honored to provide a production of this quality right to McIntosh County.”
There is no charge for the community, only a love offering was taken up, to experience this production as the church provides it as an outreach to the local community and encourages everyone to witness the epic story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as He walked the earth.
As the church choir sang song after song like “Precious Lamb of God” and “We Love You, Jesus”, a believable cast that consisted of Jesus, the devil, disciples, priests, soldiers, lepers and dancers brought the incredible redemption story of Jesus Christ to life. From the birth of Jesus to the miracles performed by Jesus, scene after scene unfolded on stage.
This year drama director Rhea Parish and choir director Kelly Parish added new scenes and songs to the Messiah performance. They were grateful to work with an anointed choir of 17, a talented cast of 85 and an amazing production crew of 20 who helped with audio, visual, lighting, livestock personnel and special effects as sound technicians Bobby Rhodes, Matthew Vaughn and Dustyn Hill made everything come together.
One of the scenes that received raved revues was the song “Blood of Christ” with a beautiful message and dance performance by Allonna Vaughn and Keaton Parish with a special video created by Bryon Burns from previous productions playing behind them.
Its beaconing lyrics moved the crowd to their feet as these words went across the big screen.
“Blood of Christ wash over me though sin has stained over me. Blood of Christ come speak for me, my covering, it is Your glory. We need the Blood. We plead the Blood. Receive the Blood, the Blood of Christ…What tore the veil? What empties hell? What never fails? Only the Blood! What testifies? What prophesies? Your death meant life. Only the Blood of Jesus Christ.”
In the midst of a packed-out sanctuary audience members 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 and heard the whipping of the Savior by the Roman soldiers. Then when Christ stumbled through the crowd carrying the cross for the redemption of mankind, many held their breath as they felt His agony, while others shed a tear.
Finally, after Jesus fought the devil in the depths of hell for the keys to death, hell and the grave, the audience was once again on their feet applauding as Christ returned as King Jesus riding on a white horse.
After the performance Lighthouse lead pastor John Parish led the congregation in the prayer of salvation. He also stated, “The purpose of The Messiah Production is to be an outreach ministry to the community to tell the story of Jesus in such a way that it brings people in and they return to the Biblical truth that we all need the Savior. Without the redemption of the cross and the Blood of Christ we would all be lost, but Christ died so we could have life.”
During a time when the world seems more lost than ever, the Messiah production proved once again that Jesus is still showing up center stage and He is worthy of the glory. Easter weekend definitely led up to
