Choirs Proclaimed it
Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God.
Luke 2:13
True Christianity does not deny any part of the Bible. For almost 300 years, audiences have listened to the magnificent composition performed by great choirs and symphonies, especially during Christmas and Easter. The text for Handel’s Messiah was chosen by Charles Jennens, friend of the brilliant composer George Frideric Handel, lifted from 1 Timothy 3:16 for the epigraph: “God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up to glory.”
When the oratorio was first performed in 1742, a member of the audience expressed gratitude to Handel for “producing such a wonderful piece of ‘entertainment.’”
“Entertainment!” Handel replied. “My purpose was not to entertain, but to teach them something.” And for centuries now, Handel’s message has resonated in hearts, proclaiming that Jesus is the Lord who died and rose again. A soaring soprano solo in the Messiah masterpiece combines Job 19 and 1 Corinthians 15 to proclaim: “I know that my Redeemer lives … for now is Christ risen from the dead.”
For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, stand faithful in the proclamation of truth and remember Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word … that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
Read
Luke 2:8-14.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask that this Christmas time, You will give me the opportunity to join with the heavenly choir in proclaiming Christ the Saviour to my friends, neighbours, collogues and family. In Jesus name. Amen.
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