This week, Merideth records live from New York City (!) and continues the new Advent Songbook series. The series, which goes live on Mondays on Substack and Fridays on the podcast through the rest of the year, pairs rich examples of Christmas art with devotional reflections and practical spiritual postures to shape this season of waiting and wonder.

Today's installment, "Major prophets and minor chords," explores Handel's Messiah, specifically the very first aria, "Comfort Ye," based on Isaiah 40:1-4. Merideth shares a powerful, personal reflection on how this music broke through a time of professional striving and spiritual distance, reminding her that what makes music great is the same thing that makes God great: persistent nearness, or "Withness." It's an invitation to surrender, not strive, and to listen with the heart.

Links:

• Buy Merideth's first book: Click here to read more about "The Artist's Joy."
• Read the series: The Advent Songbook devotional series began on Monday over at Art's Open Door, Merideth's Substack newsletter. Click here to see what you've missed.
• Listen to the music: Full essay from today's show on Substack, including another recording of Handel's "Comfort Ye" here.
• Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to [email protected] or via the Instagram post for the episode at @artistsforjoy.
• Support the work: This podcast is made possible by generous paid supporters on Patreon. Our next Joyster monthly meet up is December 19th at 12:00 PM noon EST to explore and edit our Artist's Oaths. Visit patreon.com/artistsforjoy to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5 here.