One Christmas, years ago, young Nashville broadcaster David Crabtree heard noted newscaster Paul Harvey read a remarkable story on one of his radio programs. It added a twist to the usual sort of Christmas story that had been told for hundreds of years, and in a way that David thought ought to be heard by a wider audience. In 1984 he enlisted the assistance of record producer Gary S. Paxton and arranger Don Hart to record the dramatic reading with a fully orchestrated backing. A limited number of 45 rpm records were pressed and “If Only” began to get attention around Nashville. A copy soon found its way to David’s friend Brian Mason, who has featured the recording on his Christian radio program each year since, always gaining a warm and enthusiastic reception from Brian’s audience.