#1 - "JESUS IS ALIVE" VIDEO
This Christmas video was filmed in 2015 and was the first video that Spark's director produced. The video was created for Bryce Romney's YouTube channel and it featured many Spark members (though Spark wasn't formed until the fall of 2016).
Baby Jesus Miracle: The video had to be filmed in just one afternoon and evening and the baby Jesus for the video didn't materialize until just before the filming of the baby scenes. For weeks we had searched for a baby to no avail and were just finishing the filming of the indoor scenes at The Shops at Riverwoods when someone in our group noticed a baby in its father's arms through the exterior glass doors. We approached the father and asked to take a peek at the baby (who happened to be the perfect age and size for the part). When asked if he would like his child to be in the music video as baby Jesus, the father consulted with his wife and agreed. The baby is listed in the credits as "Miracle baby from Payson" because of the prayers and pleading offered heavenward to find a baby for the video. Through spiritual means we were assured days before the filming that we would find a baby Jesus, but we had no idea that the baby would come right to our door at precisely the right moment.
Baby Jesus Miracle: The video had to be filmed in just one afternoon and evening and the baby Jesus for the video didn't materialize until just before the filming of the baby scenes. For weeks we had searched for a baby to no avail and were just finishing the filming of the indoor scenes at The Shops at Riverwoods when someone in our group noticed a baby in its father's arms through the exterior glass doors. We approached the father and asked to take a peek at the baby (who happened to be the perfect age and size for the part). When asked if he would like his child to be in the music video as baby Jesus, the father consulted with his wife and agreed. The baby is listed in the credits as "Miracle baby from Payson" because of the prayers and pleading offered heavenward to find a baby for the video. Through spiritual means we were assured days before the filming that we would find a baby Jesus, but we had no idea that the baby would come right to our door at precisely the right moment.
#2 - "WHEN HOPE CAME DOWN" MUSIC VIDEO
SPARK was invited to make a Christmas video for the 2016 #LightTheWorld initiative and we were very excited, however, there were a few obstacles to overcome.
Squaw Peak Miracle: The mountain overlook location we wanted was supposed to be locked up for winter before our shoot, but it somehow stayed open for a few extra days.
Licensing Miracle: The song licensing was not approved before we did the recording and filming and we were very worried that we might be spending a lot of time and money for nothing. After praying to ask the Lord’s will, the Spirit said, “Move forward with the project,” so we offered more prayers and even fasted and the licensing came through (after the recording and filming were already completed).
Church Bible Video Footage Miracle: We planned to use church Bible video footage in our video, but approval never came through, so we decided to forget it. A member of Spark sent our director the following message, “…I keep feeling prompted that we need to have footage of Christ and His life in this video...I can't ignore this prompting. Even if nothing gets done about it, I needed to tell you. Christ is the focus of our lives and our group and I'm just feeling like we need to show that."
Because of this member's message (and because the limited footage for the bridge of the song left the video feeling like it was missing something), we called the licensing department again and they answered. They said they hadn’t even looked at our request yet, but promised to send it to the right department. The next day, we called to follow up and the woman in charge said that she had sent the request, but ours was just one of many. When we asked if we could check back later that day for an update, the woman informed us that she would be leaving work early. It was Friday, December 10th, and the video was supposed to be posted that day. A few desperate prayers went up including one that said, “Heavenly Father, if you want us to be able use the footage, please make it happen.” Within about an hour, approval came by email and we were able to complete the video that night.
Squaw Peak Miracle: The mountain overlook location we wanted was supposed to be locked up for winter before our shoot, but it somehow stayed open for a few extra days.
Licensing Miracle: The song licensing was not approved before we did the recording and filming and we were very worried that we might be spending a lot of time and money for nothing. After praying to ask the Lord’s will, the Spirit said, “Move forward with the project,” so we offered more prayers and even fasted and the licensing came through (after the recording and filming were already completed).
Church Bible Video Footage Miracle: We planned to use church Bible video footage in our video, but approval never came through, so we decided to forget it. A member of Spark sent our director the following message, “…I keep feeling prompted that we need to have footage of Christ and His life in this video...I can't ignore this prompting. Even if nothing gets done about it, I needed to tell you. Christ is the focus of our lives and our group and I'm just feeling like we need to show that."
Because of this member's message (and because the limited footage for the bridge of the song left the video feeling like it was missing something), we called the licensing department again and they answered. They said they hadn’t even looked at our request yet, but promised to send it to the right department. The next day, we called to follow up and the woman in charge said that she had sent the request, but ours was just one of many. When we asked if we could check back later that day for an update, the woman informed us that she would be leaving work early. It was Friday, December 10th, and the video was supposed to be posted that day. A few desperate prayers went up including one that said, “Heavenly Father, if you want us to be able use the footage, please make it happen.” Within about an hour, approval came by email and we were able to complete the video that night.
#3 - "SINKING DEEP" MUSIC VIDEO
We filmed the video for "Sinking Deep" in November 2017 with plans for a December release, however, things turned out differently than planned (for the better).
"Reflections of Christ" Images Miracle: One day we got the idea to ask Mark Mabry (whom we didn't know at the time) if we could include his photo images depicting Christ's life in our music video. The very next morning, he miraculously called our director (about another project). When she asked permission, he was very gracious and agreed to let us use his images. The complete collection of images can be seen at:
https://reflectionsofchrist.myshopify.com/
Easter Release Miracle: The video ran into problems and could not be released in time for Christmas. This was very disappointing and we sadly put the project "on the shelf." As spring approached, we had the idea to try to release the video with an Easter theme by removing the nativity scenes. We were able to complete the video in time and it ended up being something we were very proud of. We released the video before Easter of 2018 and it was even better-received by the public than it would have been at Christmas (due to the heavy volume of Christmas videos that had been released).
The "slideshow" directly below is themed for Christmas and our official "Sinking Deep" video released for Easter is below that.
"Reflections of Christ" Images Miracle: One day we got the idea to ask Mark Mabry (whom we didn't know at the time) if we could include his photo images depicting Christ's life in our music video. The very next morning, he miraculously called our director (about another project). When she asked permission, he was very gracious and agreed to let us use his images. The complete collection of images can be seen at:
https://reflectionsofchrist.myshopify.com/
Easter Release Miracle: The video ran into problems and could not be released in time for Christmas. This was very disappointing and we sadly put the project "on the shelf." As spring approached, we had the idea to try to release the video with an Easter theme by removing the nativity scenes. We were able to complete the video in time and it ended up being something we were very proud of. We released the video before Easter of 2018 and it was even better-received by the public than it would have been at Christmas (due to the heavy volume of Christmas videos that had been released).
The "slideshow" directly below is themed for Christmas and our official "Sinking Deep" video released for Easter is below that.
#4 - "SILENT NIGHT" MUSIC VIDEO
Scott & Ryceejo, a popular husband and wife vocal duo, invited Spark to sing on their Christmas album. This was an honor, topped only by their invitation to collaborate on a Christmas music video with them! Check out their album at the links in the music video description box!
Extra-help Miracle: Right before the shoot, we were offered much-needed help by a friend-of-a-friend. This helper ended up bringing in another friend at the last minute that made the video complete. Here's what happened: To help flesh-out the storyline, we included some shots of a few random couples and groups who were passing by at The Shops at Riverwoods (where the video was filmed). Toward the end of the shoot, we decided we wanted to film someone who was all alone and maybe in need of a friendly gesture. We looked and waited for quite a while, then "he" showed up to pick up his friend (our helper). At his friend's request, he agreed to be part of the video. In the shot, he is holding a small, adorable dog and sitting all alone--which created a needed contrast to the other background people we filmed. If we had quit searching, we would have missed the opportunity to include him (and the adorable dog). It's one of our favorite parts of the video.
Miracle of Generosity: All along, we planned to feature the video only on Scott & Ryceejo's YouTube channel. However, after the release of the video, they agreed to let us feature the video on our YouTube channel as well. Through their graciousness, more people will receive the message of the video which is all about the true meaning of Christmas.
Extra-help Miracle: Right before the shoot, we were offered much-needed help by a friend-of-a-friend. This helper ended up bringing in another friend at the last minute that made the video complete. Here's what happened: To help flesh-out the storyline, we included some shots of a few random couples and groups who were passing by at The Shops at Riverwoods (where the video was filmed). Toward the end of the shoot, we decided we wanted to film someone who was all alone and maybe in need of a friendly gesture. We looked and waited for quite a while, then "he" showed up to pick up his friend (our helper). At his friend's request, he agreed to be part of the video. In the shot, he is holding a small, adorable dog and sitting all alone--which created a needed contrast to the other background people we filmed. If we had quit searching, we would have missed the opportunity to include him (and the adorable dog). It's one of our favorite parts of the video.
Miracle of Generosity: All along, we planned to feature the video only on Scott & Ryceejo's YouTube channel. However, after the release of the video, they agreed to let us feature the video on our YouTube channel as well. Through their graciousness, more people will receive the message of the video which is all about the true meaning of Christmas.
MORE MIRACLES
There are many other examples too personal or lengthy to relate here, but it's been our experience that when we set out to produce a video for Christmas, there is always heavenly help. Always.
Miracle of Technology: It's amazing that the internet can take our testimonies of Christ all over the planet. Our most recent video was boosted worldwide and we have been receiving notices of people watching our video in most every country!
Miracle of Technology: It's amazing that the internet can take our testimonies of Christ all over the planet. Our most recent video was boosted worldwide and we have been receiving notices of people watching our video in most every country!
THE GREATEST MIRACLE
The greatest miracle was born on Christmas Day. He is the literal son of God and he came to save us all! We are so grateful for the miracle of Jesus Christ.
More images at: https://reflectionsofchrist.myshopify.com/
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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These music videos are perfect for viewing with your family on Christmas Eve and throughout the holidays!
These music videos are perfect for viewing with your family on Christmas Eve and throughout the holidays!
