Over the past couple of years, our family has started the Christmas tradition of building special memories together during an elegant evening out on the town. The first two years, we attended a theatrical production. This year, we went to see the symphony's presentation of Handel's Messiah. It was absolutely glorious!
For those of you who may not be classical music affectionados, the Messiah is a two-hour oratorio depicting the life of Jesus Christ exclusively through Scriptures that are set to music. At Christmas time, we mostly hear songs from the Messiah pertaining to His birth, and of course, the famous Hallelujah Chorus. However, the full oratorio starts with prophecies from the Old Testament about Christ, and then proceeds with verses that describe His birth, earthly life, crucifixion, resurrection, and current glory. The entire presentation was beautifully moving.
As I sat in my plush red chair drinking in the lovely music, I was amazed anew at the talent of George Frederic Handel. To compose such a masterpiece before the age of computer software and copy machines must have taken countless hours and intense dedication. God certainly gave Handel an incredible gift with music.
It was especially exciting to experience a musical presentation that was totally dedicated to the proclamation of Scripture and the exultation of the King of kings. That was my Father, my Best Friend, the Bridegroom of my heart they were singing about! And nobody was complaining! Nobody was offended about the Person of Jesus being so glorified! Amazing.
Even more amazing was the fact that for the Hallelujah Chorus, everyone in the entire concert hall stood to their feet! Thanks to a tradition begun by Queen Victoria, we were all standing to honor the King of kings Himself! I got Holy Spirit goose bumps at that moment. :)
What a privilege to live in a country, that, even with its anti-Christian sentiments, is still a free country in which we can attend such stirring concerts as Handel's Messiah.
Most especially, what a privilege it is to know this Messiah personally.
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