“And the Glory of the Lord”

The libretto of Messiah is taken from numerous books of the Bible: Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Lamentations, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, Hebrews and Revelation. If you’re not familiar with the passages selected by Jennens, you can read them at the above link. The first five verses of Isaiah […]

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Messiah!

When I was growing up we attended a church with a large music program, and I first sang in a choir as a young child. Our minister of music frequently had us sing the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah during December. The adult choir was at the front of the church behind the ministers, while […]

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In A Beseiged City

– Blessed be the Lord, For He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city. Psalm 31:21 – – In Grant Horner‘s Bible reading plan, yesterday I read Isaiah 1 and came to this verse. The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, Like a watchman’s hut in […]

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The Kingdoms of Our Lord & of His Christ

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV – The words of the “Hallelujah” chorus in Handel’s Messiah are from Revelation 19:6, 16; […]

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“Carol of the Bells”

Bells have been used for centuries to mark events of significance. Carol of the Bells was composed by the Ukrainian composer, Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, and is frequently performed by handbell choirs. These handbell ringers in Taipei are unique, however; their entrance and processional as they ring out the notes enhances and expresses the joyous melody. […]

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And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, […]

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“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”

In many churches I’ve attended it is a tradition to close the Christmas Eve service by singing “Silent Night”.  This carol was written and first sung in Oberndorf, Austria. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in Heavenly peace! sleep […]

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Journey to Bethlehem

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son…. Galatians 4:4a – God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son… Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke through the prophet Malachi […]

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“For Unto Us A Child Is Born…”

The wonder and glory of the birth of Jesus resound Isaiah’s words are sung in this chorus from Handel’s Messiah. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, […]

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