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Listen while you read: "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"1
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Some years ago, my husband and I volunteered as ushers at our local theatre, hoping we could see some interesting shows. We did, but the best by far was Handel's Messiah.
Handel originally composed The Messiah for the Easter season in 1741. At 52 and in ill health, he discovered Charles Jennen's libretto that was made up entirely of Scripture portions, mostly from the Old Testament. Inspired, Handel decided he must compose an oratorio based on this libretto. He composed the work in only 24 days, and when he got to the Hallelujah Chorus, his assistant found him in tears saying, "I did think I saw heaven open, and saw the very face of God."
It quickly became popular, and by the early 19th century, it was a Christmas favourite in North America. In 1759, blind and in failing health, Handel attended The Messiah just eight days before his death.
The night that we were ushers, the huge auditorium was almost full. The patrons were quiet and respectful as the last strains of The Messiah filled the air. Conspicuous in my red usher's vest, I stood waiting to open the door, pondering the words that I had been listening to for the last two-and-a half hours. Did those in the audience know they'd just heard the complete gospel, or were they there because it's a Christmas tradition or because they love the music?
All the artists sang and played with passion, but did they understand what they were singing and playing, or were they there for the chance to sing or play the score of the famous Handel's Messiah?
I love the music as well. It's grand and glorious, but, more importantly, all 53 separate numbers specifically declare the gospel through direct quotations from the Bible. Among them are:
Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV)
John 1:29b – Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 15:20a – But now is Christ risen from the dead. (KJV)
Birth to death to resurrection: the gospel is there. As I looked out over that audience, I prayed that the message they had just heard would speak to their hearts and that they would come to know Christ in a personal way.
During the Christmas season, we hear Christmas music everywhere we go. Many places still include the Christian carols, with their powerful messages of Christ's birth and life. The melodies are familiar, and we may hum along as we go through our day. But let's be ever mindful of the message in those melodies: Jesus was born into the world so that He could die for the world and give His life as a ransom for sinners. Do you know Him? Joy to the world; the Lord is come!
Prayer: Father, may we focus on the true message of Christmas: You left Your glory in heaven to come to us in the form of a tiny baby, and ultimately to give Your life as a ransom for sins. Amen.
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About the author:
Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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Thanks Sharon, blessings.
Wonderfully written. Thank you.
Thanks, Sharon, for the Christmas reminder. Enjoy the season.
Beautiful, you gave a new look at this beautiful writing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
You’ve given me good thoughts to ponder, Sharon, as I sing and listen to the words of many of our beautiful Christmas carols this season.
Every year, attendance at Toronto Mendelsohnn Choir, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Roy Thompson Hall was a worship of life – birth, suffering, death and resurrection – Halleluhia.
Interesting reading. I’ve just done research on Joy to the World for this Advent’s Joy Sunday. I learned a few things there too. Thank you.
(Manitoba)
And each time we sing Messiah it is someone’s first time, and someone else’s last. I have had the privilege of singing it with many who are no longer with us.
(ON)
Thank you for writing this devotional.
Yes, the message of Christmas is for all people. But yet it is for me.
Thank you for writing this devotional.
Blessings.
Hi Sharon, the Messiah is absolutely my most loved music! It is truly inspired and contains the lyrics contain the whole gospel message so beautifully sung and played. I always make a point of immersing myself in it during the advent season. Thanks for writing this devotional.
Many thanks Sharon for another of your special and very mindful devotionals. Yes, we can get very distracted in many different activities at this time of year. The greatest and best focus is to remember the deliverance of Christ as a baby and how He became our loving Saviour. Knowing we have Him in our daily lives is the greatest gift we can ever receive. Blessings for writing and may the special joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus be with you and your husband.
Sharon, Your devotional brings back warm memories of the 20+ years when I performed Messiah concerts. It was a lot of work, a lot of challenge, and a lot of fun. But best of all for me, was the humbling privilege of proclaiming the best news ever.
I too pray that the gospel message in the Messiah choruses, solos, and duets will continue to bring hope to many around the world. Hallelujah, He shall reign for ever and ever – King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Amen!
Totally in agreement with your words!
Our nations and their leaders really need Christ’s spirit to work in their lives.
Thank you, Sharon, for today’s devotion.
I attended the MESSIAH a couple of times, and I hope to attend it again.
You did a good job explaining the history of this score.
Thanks and God bless you.
(Quebec)
What a gorgeous body of work is the Messiah! I have enjoyed singing it over the years. For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given. May all who hear these beautiful words come to know the Savior of the world! Thanks for your thought-provoking perspective.