Handel's Messiah

Big Idea: Diane reflects on her growing love of “The Messiah” during her college days.

This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.

You Learn Stuff at College

I enjoyed my high school and college friendships. Those days of youthful glee never come again.

I went to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with opportunities to go attend plays, concerts, lectures and other life enhancing experiences.

One of the events I attended was the Christmas portion of “Handle’s Messiah” with a sing-a-long. I don’t remember who I went with but I remember the joy of the experience.

In high school I played a piano duet in a competition playing the Hallelujah Chorus. Having spent high school years playing song on the piano, playing the violin in an orchestra, singing in choirs, attending this event in a large auditorium was exhilarating!

“Hallelujah”

College is a time for learning, even at events. I learned everyone stands immediately at the first note of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The legend is that George Frederick Handel, who wrote the piece in 24 days, and financially supported by King George II. It is said when the king heard it for the first time he stood at the Hallelujah Chorus.

The words in it include “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” It is thought that King George II recognized Jesus the Messiah is above even him.

Queen Elizabeth once said in a Christmas message,

Whatever role or position we hold in this life, may we always devote ourselves to serve and bow to Him, “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15 (NASB)  Queen Elizabeth's Christmas address 2000

After college I moved to New York City to work at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for a couple of years.

"The words pierced my heart"

At my church on 68th Street in Manhattan I recall chatting with the choir director that I love the choral work, “The Messiah.” This talented professional on Broadway told me how the words of Handle’s Messiah affected her.

“As I memorized the words to sing the choral piece, they pierced my heart. I was in a dark place. The words of the songs were powerful about my need for a mighty God to forgive me and give me peace. It changed my life.”

The Bible word for word

The choral pieces alternate between the Old Testament and the New Testament telling the story of Jesus.

It is from the King James Bible different from our language today but poetically beautiful.

Here is a Christmas thought from the Accompagnato (for bass voice)

“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60, vv.2–3 KJV)

If you have the chance to hear parts of Handel’s Messiah this Christmas, reflect on the meaning of the powerful words you are hearing.



Check out a little bit of background and the Bible References at this blog site by Haven Ministries.

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Reflect:

1. Have you ever been to a concert of Handle’s Messiah or sang in the chorus? Did the words have any effect on you at the time?

2. Reflect a moment on how Jesus is light? He himself said in John 8:12 NLT “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”