Christmas Music

 

​I’ll admit, when Thanksgiving is over, I somewhat dread Christmas music. “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and so many others are played in every restaurant, gas station, and waiting room to the point of overkill. 

However, there are two pieces that speak to my heart. “O, Holy Night” and Handel’s “Messiah.” A time of Advent ushers into the heart of a believer, the incarnation of the Christ child. 

Recently, a close friend sent me a text and said, “What are you doing tomorrow night? We’d like to give you and Elizabeth a Christmas gift.” They picked us up at 6:30 and took us to Centenary Methodist Church to hear the entire performance of Handel’s Messiah as performed by the Winston Salem Symphony. 

Most people are familiar with Part 2, No. 39, The Hallelujah Chorus. As the violins welcome the chorus’ soprano, alto, tenor, and bass singing Hallelujah, they are echoing the scripture found in Revelation 19:6 “Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.” Later, “and He shall reign forever and ever”, Revelation 11:15. 

Seated in the nave of the church, after a 2 ½ hour performance, I discovered the genius of German-born George Frideric Handel. While known as a Christmas piece, only part one of the enduring classic relates to the birth of Christ. The thesis of the piece of music is the entire story of the gospel, found in both the Old & New Testaments.

                              

The experience was received with great appreciation of the gift, and of going with friends, fellow believers and being reminded of the Gift of God that is free to all people who seek Him.