Promptly at 2 p.m. on November 21, students rushed onto Varsity Terrace with towels, blankets, backpacks, and anything else they could use to save a spot for the upcoming show. As the sun set and the air cooled, more and more students, staff, and faculty crowded onto Varsity Terrace and Main Drive. Energy permeated the crowd as they patiently waited for this year’s Christmas Lights Celebration to begin.
Behind the Scenes
Each year, Pensacola Christian College invites the PCC family to celebrate Christ’s birth through the Christmas Lights Celebration. Because this show is such a popular event on campus, planning begins early. Susan Ward (General Producer) shared that preliminary planning starts just weeks after the previous show. “We are always looking for the best music; this starts in January [after Christmas break],” she said.
“I loved getting to know the other members of my group better and watching our unique blend grow!”
After songs are chosen, faculty members Dr. Jonathan McIntyre, Dr. Cleusia Gonçalves, and Nick Kozar begin preparing the music for Voices of PCC, Chamber Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. In September, students in all musical groups begin the task of learning and perfecting these songs. “Christmas Lights is such a fun production to prep for,” shared Emily Lee (So., NC), a member of Voices of PCC and Chamber Ensemble. “Working with everyone is such an exciting opportunity. I loved getting to know the other members of my group better and watching our unique blend grow!”
An alumnus of PCC, C.J. Murray (Master of Business Admin ’21) works with musical groups as the assistant recording engineer in PCC’s recording studio to curate a crisp, professional sound. “I begin recording each song instrument by instrument around June,” he explained. “I record, edit, mix, and master most of the music for Christmas Lights Celebration, including students’ vocals in the fall semester.”
He continued, “Working with the students and musicians is one of the absolute best parts of my job. The recording studio at PCC is a place where people can have fun and employ their craft at a very high level. I feel honored to work with such top-notch musicians to take their sound to the next level.”
PCC alumna and technical assistant Kayla Quito (Master of Arts in Music ’18) spends months programming thousands of lights for the celebration. “I start with basic effects and primary colors,” she detailed. “The goal is to try to create a finished product that looks like something totally different—kind of like cooking.” This year, over 40,800 lights were used in the concert, with 22 individual sequences. “We’re at a point now where a mix of songs every year is new, and the others are songs that have been used in the past that we spruce up and bring out again. For me, it’s like seeing old friends,” shared Kayla.
A Cherished Tradition
Many students, faculty, and staff look forward to the Christmas Lights Celebration every year. The songs, the company, and the Christmas lights bring a sense of nostalgia. But Christmas nostalgia isn’t the only reason for Christmas Lights Celebration.
Voices of PCC director Dr. Jonathan McIntyre always enjoys helping PCC welcome the Christmas season. “Celebrating Christ’s birth together and with our extended audience via livestream is a wonderful way to focus our attention on Jesus as we begin the season,” he said. While the show included several favorite songs like “Sleigh Ride” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” most of the song selections reminded listeners of Christ’s miraculous birth.
“[Behold] is a call to worship, for Christ alone is worthy of all glory, adoration, and praise.”
Senior Eliana Smith’s (OH) favorite song was “Behold,” a modern hymn sung by Patti Ring and the Voices of PCC. “The whole song really encapsulates the reason why we celebrate Christmas time: Jesus Christ. ‘Behold’ speaks the gospel message so clearly: the Son of God came to die for us, and He rose again, conquering death so that we might live,” Eliana explained. “What a miracle and a wonder to have ‘the Savior of the world breathing our air.’ The song is a call to worship, for Christ alone is worthy of all glory, adoration, and praise.”
Freshman Ian Sturgill (VA) experienced his first Christmas Lights Celebration this year and understands why it’s such a treasured tradition. “I loved being able to have a pre-Christmas with all my friends. It is so fun to drink apple cider and eat pumpkin bread with great people,” he commented. “My favorite part of this year was the music; I loved listening to the fantastic singing and concert band.”
For those who couldn’t enjoy the Christmas Lights Celebration this year, Ian shared a tip for next year’s show: “I didn’t go early to save seats and could barely find a spot when I got out there. Don’t make the same mistake I did!”