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The Music Or The Message
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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By 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.