Many of you had the chance to share in the Middletown Civic Chorus’ presentation of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah.” Had the Civic Chorus presented the entire “Messiah” you would have been in for just a little under three hour performance.
The string quartet, organist, trumpeter, chorus, and soloists were all marvelous under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Jones. Those portions of the “Messiah” that were presented helped to heighten one’s readiness for Christmas. Handel composed this work in twenty-four days for its first performance in Dublin, Ireland in 1741. And it always seems that this great choral work comes to its high point when the chorus and instrumentalists begin the Hallelujah Chorus.Every one stands as this chorus is being sung. It is said that we stand because the King of England stood, but there is no solid proof that that story may be true.
I share all of this because I want you to take some time to reflect upon the meaning of the Messiah in your lives. For centuries, the children of Israel longed for a Messiah, one who would come to free them from prison of death. Near the end of this great choral work there is a wonderful promise. You can read it in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, “Since by man came death, the resurrection of the dead comes through Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:21)
As you near Christmas, what does the coming of the Messiah mean for you? Will the coming of Jesus really be the Savior of the world for you? The above questions are of greatest importance as we continue our journey of faith together.
