A Thought on This Advent Day

I added some new information that may be of interest to you concerning Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

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I have noticed many back and forth thoughts across the web about Christmas. I have scanned many blogs and articles concerning this season and how it is celebrated. One perspective that most catches my attention is that opines we should not be celebrating it.

According to this position, it is too commercial. It takes all meaning from the focus of the Savior’s birth – His incarnation. Of course, there is some truth in this. But of all the tinsel and glitter, the pagan background, the controversy over time of year of His incarnation. Using the day and season for a yearly tidal wave of commercial gain reminds me of Jesus chasing out the money changers from the Temple for doing very similar in that day. Then of course the skeptics and secularists use it for an excuse of partying, pomp, and ceremony of “wassailing” or, the imbibing of holiday “spirits” to make the season bright.

All this makes for quite a large package with glittering lights, and much noise added. So where is Jesus?

He is among us like all days during the year. He never leaves us — even on the day we celebrate His coming into the world He created and to his own — He is with us.

So…

What if — in the midst of it all — we unwrap that large “empty” box of noise and commercialism to look inside? Do we find it empty? Absolutely not! We find eternity Himself inside, waiting to greet us! This Savior, this King of Glory, comes rushing into our souls to inhabit our lives. How many souls might be saved that otherwise may have seen “just another day?”

How many, looking inside, suddenly find such a life standing up to welcome them quite unexpectedly as might happen the way this following video demonstrates.

Please watch and enjoy.

~G.W.

The folks in this video were surprised by Joy! The joy that marks the pure meaning of and reason for our celebrating Christmas. Can you imagine the surprise and joy we will have on the day of our Savior’s return? I can’t. The thought is too Wonderful. But I see in this video a slight reflection of what we may experience. [Please see below for brief informational background on Handel’s Messiah oratorio and the Hallelujah Chorus]

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God indeed inhabits the praises of His people. We feel God’s love most keenly when we focus on His will and have devoted ourselves wholly to His glory and purpose for our lives. … Psalm 22:3 alludes to this fact when it says,

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From the King of Glory Jesus Christ our Savior

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Hallelujah Chorus: Background Information

Composer:   Georg Friedrich Handel (February 23, 1685 – April 14, 1759)

Date of composition:        1741/Sep/06

Style:  Baroque

Instrument(s):         Voice (SATB), Orchestra: Strings (Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass), Oboes, Bassoons, Trumpet, Percussion (Timpani)

Copyright:    Public Domain

The Hallelujah Chorus is part of the oratorio Messiah by Handel, concluding the second of three parts. It is Handel’s best-known piece and remains hugely popular.

Handel was a devout Christian and Messiah reflects his faith. The text of the chorus are taken from the King James Bible.

In many parts of the world it is traditional for the audience to stand during the Hallelujah Chorus. Story has it that King George II was so moved by the piece that he stood to his feet when he heard it, paying tribute to a Higher King, his subjects followed suit.  

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