The Messiah Comes
Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 85: 2 Peter 3: 8-15; and Mark 1: 1-8.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40: 1-2 NIV
“It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” a voice of one calling in the desert: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Mark 1: 2-3. NIV
These words are so familiar to me because of the genius of George F. Handel. He wrote the great oratorio “Messiah” in 1741 in a matter of twenty-four days, and it was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742, with Handel, himself conducting the performance. The oratorio opens with a tenor solo titled “Comfort Ye My People” with the text based on the passage of Isaiah in this week’s lectionary. According to a household copy of this great work, the words of “Messiah” were selected from the Holy Scriptures by Charles Jennens.
The entire work shares scripturally based references to the birth, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah. Many choirs, soloists and orchestra members have performed the entire work or various parts of “Messiah” ever since that first performance. I am told I attended my first performance of the Christmas portion of “Messiah” when I was 18 months old, and I have been blessed to sing in and attend multiple performances since that time.
The genius of Handel in using many passages from the Bible as the lyrics (as selected by Mr. Jennens) of the oratorio is very significant for us. For example, by including the passage from the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, the audience is made aware of scripture that tells a part of the story of Jesus to many who could not read the scriptures themselves. The Isaiah passage is echoed in the Gospel of Mark who is explaining that John would be “making the path straight” for Jesus. In Handel’s time, books including the Bible were difficult for the average person to secure. Handel’s music and words helped people to learn the “Good News” of Jesus life, death and resurrection.
Music encourages us to listen with our hearts as well as our ears. The music of Advent and Christmas help me to understand God’s gift to the world more fully. Setting words to music can sometimes have a very emotional reaction in our hearts and minds. Passages can remind of the matchless, extravagant love that God shared by sending His Son to us as a human baby. The story is truly phenomenal and sharing it through music and words helps us to witness to our faith. Just like many of our hymns, the singing of the story helps us to understand the message. Sometimes a tune stays in our minds and helps us remember the words and then their meaning also becomes clearer, and we learn the story more effectively.
So, as you sing the carols and hymns of the season, take another look at the words and then the meaning of the story behind them. Let the words fill your hearts with the gift of God’s love for each of you. Sing out loud and joyfully in the knowledge that Jesus came into this world for YOU! (Just as you are!!) The story found in the words of “Messiah” are as true today as they were centuries ago. As Isaiah says in chapter 40 verse 9: “…..lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Dear Lord of All, we thank you for your servant, G. F. Handel, who offered your words and message of salvation into our lives. We are awed and humbled by the message, but even more in awe of the Messiah who you so freely shared for each of us. We thank you for all the music you have given us throughout the ages and the blessing we receive each time we share your message through song. May the joy of your Good News become so contagious that all will know of your Son. AMEN
Chyrl Budd
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40: 1-2 NIV
“It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” a voice of one calling in the desert: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Mark 1: 2-3. NIV
These words are so familiar to me because of the genius of George F. Handel. He wrote the great oratorio “Messiah” in 1741 in a matter of twenty-four days, and it was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742, with Handel, himself conducting the performance. The oratorio opens with a tenor solo titled “Comfort Ye My People” with the text based on the passage of Isaiah in this week’s lectionary. According to a household copy of this great work, the words of “Messiah” were selected from the Holy Scriptures by Charles Jennens.
The entire work shares scripturally based references to the birth, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah. Many choirs, soloists and orchestra members have performed the entire work or various parts of “Messiah” ever since that first performance. I am told I attended my first performance of the Christmas portion of “Messiah” when I was 18 months old, and I have been blessed to sing in and attend multiple performances since that time.
The genius of Handel in using many passages from the Bible as the lyrics (as selected by Mr. Jennens) of the oratorio is very significant for us. For example, by including the passage from the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, the audience is made aware of scripture that tells a part of the story of Jesus to many who could not read the scriptures themselves. The Isaiah passage is echoed in the Gospel of Mark who is explaining that John would be “making the path straight” for Jesus. In Handel’s time, books including the Bible were difficult for the average person to secure. Handel’s music and words helped people to learn the “Good News” of Jesus life, death and resurrection.
Music encourages us to listen with our hearts as well as our ears. The music of Advent and Christmas help me to understand God’s gift to the world more fully. Setting words to music can sometimes have a very emotional reaction in our hearts and minds. Passages can remind of the matchless, extravagant love that God shared by sending His Son to us as a human baby. The story is truly phenomenal and sharing it through music and words helps us to witness to our faith. Just like many of our hymns, the singing of the story helps us to understand the message. Sometimes a tune stays in our minds and helps us remember the words and then their meaning also becomes clearer, and we learn the story more effectively.
So, as you sing the carols and hymns of the season, take another look at the words and then the meaning of the story behind them. Let the words fill your hearts with the gift of God’s love for each of you. Sing out loud and joyfully in the knowledge that Jesus came into this world for YOU! (Just as you are!!) The story found in the words of “Messiah” are as true today as they were centuries ago. As Isaiah says in chapter 40 verse 9: “…..lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Dear Lord of All, we thank you for your servant, G. F. Handel, who offered your words and message of salvation into our lives. We are awed and humbled by the message, but even more in awe of the Messiah who you so freely shared for each of us. We thank you for all the music you have given us throughout the ages and the blessing we receive each time we share your message through song. May the joy of your Good News become so contagious that all will know of your Son. AMEN
Chyrl Budd
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