FILO: Advent for the Church Technical ArtistSample

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:1-2)

I love the idea that our roles as technical artists can sometimes be thought of as preaching in the wilderness. The state of our world can sometimes feel like a wilderness. We are making a way in that wilderness for others to see and hear the good news of Christ. Tech teams can be the ones to sound the alarm when issues arise and point out areas we need to grow.

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” (Matthew 3:3)

One of the great gifts and calling we have as production leaders is being able to help prepare the way for the Lord. We elevate, illuminate, and amplify the name of Jesus! To “make straight the paths for him,” we give it our best to remove all distractions and bring Jesus as the primary focus. He is the one who saves us, restores us, and brings us into our full redemptive potential for the Kingdom of God!

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4)

This passage sounds like a production person on a Keto diet or living off of greenroom snacks. After a set build, we might have messy clothes, a beard like Moses, and most definitely a utility knife and that leather band. We strive to deliver on everything we do, sometimes at the cost of our nourishment and health.

People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:5-6)

Sometimes you think you can only fulfill the background duties of ministry because you are behind the scenes. I'm here to tell you that everyone who serves in behind-the-scenes ministry has the invitation to partner with Jesus in helping those around us take new steps of faith.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Imagine if people talked about us this Christmas as if we were John the Baptist. “Wow, that tech person is more than just someone who wears black and pushes buttons. They are straight-up Kingdom advancers, great commission completers.” Don’t you want to be a team like that? We all have a step we can take to deepen our faith. In what ways are you modeling this to your team? Tell your team a step you are going to take and invite them to join you. Maybe it's praying for 5 minutes a day or committing to reading your bible daily. These small steps change the game in the life and culture of our teams. In this, we will see new joy, deeper faith, and a greater focus on why we do what we do.

Treasure this in your heart during the long days, late nights, and weeks this Christmas. Jesus says SURELY- meaning it’s a promise- Surely He will be with you to the very end. His grace hasn’t run out on you. His promises of goodness and mercy continue. Let's press into all God has for us this season and seek to help make way for every heart to know Jesus more this Christmas.

- Daniel Scotti