Thirteen years have passed since the first time I sat in a church to hear that Oratorio, and the music has never left my heart since. I’ve only missed it once, after all, in those years, even with major moves and a lot of life changes since then.
What it is about it, I never can quite explain, for both the music and the words have so much power packed into them that I do not know how any one can listen to it unmoved and unchanged by what they have heard, but I cannot.
Every time, I see the darkness of the world, I see the confusion, the blindness to the ‘signs of the times’. Then I hear the angels sing, and my heart sings too… “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth Peace, Good will to men”.
I see the time of waiting, when we look for his appearing the second time. I see the sorrow, the pain, the brokenness. I see confusion again, yet tears come to my eyes, for I too, “know that my Redeemer liveth”, and I rejoice as my heart feels the glory of that moment when “the Trumpet shall sound”.
Then as I stand with the crowd, I never can quite keep the tears back, or help but sing with the choir “Hallelujah” and “Amen”, and once again the music and the words of one of the greatest pieces that I have ever heard ring in my heart through out another year, bringing courage, peace, and strength, for He lives still.
Chantel, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you. Merry Christmas!
I know exactly what you mean! I could listen to the Messiah (and do) over and over and over again without getting bored of it. What is even better though, is singing it.
~Joanna
I went to the Messiah concert as well this year. It was my first time, though I listen to the recording often. I felt that there were many music-lovers around me, though not necessarily believers. I wondered how one could sing those words and not believe. May God reveal Himself.
Chantel–
I love the Messiah too! Ever since I heard it performed four years ago, I have been captured by its’ beauty and clear Gospel message!
Merry Christmas!
~Becca
You’re right–Handel’s Messiah is absolutely beautiful! I have it on CD and I like to listen to it all through the year. =) I’ll never forget the time my Dad, my sister, and I got to sing in a performance.