The Gospel of Christmas

  The Christian religion is a religion of song, because it puts joy in the heart, which finds expression in song.  Christ’s birth set two worlds a singing, heaven and earth.  Even until today at Christmas time we celebrate with Christmas carols and hymns in churches, homes, on TV etc.  We sang a Christmas carol this past Sunday in Church, celebrating the Incarnation of Christ, the Son of God.      

  The Messiah is an oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frederic Handel and it became a common practice since Handel’s death to perform Messiah during the Advent season.  Today it is performed by many choirs across the nation during Christmas.  For years it was sung by the Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Miltonvale Wesleyan Church every Christmas time. 

    The Messiah is taken from the Holy Bible and tells with the use of scripture from the KJV the Bible story of redemption.  It is told in three parts: prophecy and birth of the Christ;  the Passion of the Christ concluding with the Hallelujah Chrous; and finally what is called the Aftermath: Judgment, victory over sin and death, and glorification of the Christ.

   For years (I do not know if this still happens every year) in Washington, D.C., someone rents a hall, hires an orchestra, and advertises a sing-along production of Handel's Messiah.  People stand in line to get tickets. The choir numbers five thousand. They pay for the privilege of singing Messiah. Of course, it is always a privilege to sing of the Christ or to speak of the Christ. Why do we not take advantage of our opportunities to do it?  

  Recently I received a link on facebook recommended by one of my friends.  It was introduced by the following: A flash mob hit Macy's in Center City on Saturday - 650 vocalists who, unknown to shoppers, had arranged to burst into song at noon.  They supprised everyone by singing the Hallelujah Chorus composed by the great Handel click here for link.   People gave thundrous applause as they were reminded of the real meaning of Christmas.  Jesus is the reason for the season!

Pastor Mark