“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6
Few musicals have touched the heart like Handel’s Messiah. For Christmas, our choir sang a composition from the Messiah, and even though we sang it imperfectly, it still touched hearts! Let me take you back to 1742 when George Frederick Handel created his powerful oratorio that became the most widely known musical in the world. Handel loved music and he loved God and sought to glorify Him through his music.
For many years, Handel traveled throughout Europe composing and sharing his 42 operas with the world. But, at the age of 56, his glory days were fading and he found himself in financial trouble. He was depressed, suffered from insomnia and plagued with rheumatism. If he could not produce another musical hit soon, he would find himself in a London debtor’s prison.
Two letters brought hope to this discouraged composer. One was from a Irish Duke inviting him to produce concerts to benefit charities in Dublin, Ireland. Handel accepted, he hoped it would generate income, and escape from the harassment of his creditors. Shortly, a letter from his friend Charles Jennens arrived with some lyrics and to his amazement, it was a compilation of scriptures from the Old and New Testaments.
Handel read and reread the verses, he was deeply moved! He locked himself in his study and within 7 days, he completed Part 1 on the Birth of Christ. He continued on with Part 2 that focused on the Death of Christ. That was completed in 9 days. Part 3 was finished in less than a week. It centered on the Resurrection and Coming Reign of Christ. The entire trilogy was scored in 21 days!
Handel took his composition to Dublin for an opening during Easter week, April 8, 1742. It was a tremendous success! The people loved it! King George II was in attendance that evening. When the Hallelujah chorus rang out, George II stood to his feet and remained standing until the end. As a result, to this day, it’s traditional to stand during the Hallelujah chorus. Although the Messiah was originally written for Easter, it became a great success in America during the Christmas season. It has become one of our most cherished traditions. Listen to some of the scriptures:
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end….. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
“A voice of one calling in the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” Isaiah 40:3-5.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14
“On his robe and on His thigh, He has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:16
One day believers will join the angels in “The Hallelujah Chorus.” All nations, peoples, tribes and tongues will be represented, praising and worshiping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and He shall reign forever and ever! HALLELUJAH!!!!
Your friend, Jean