My Christmas Custom

One of things I love to do as Christmas approaches, is to wait until no one is home, crank up Handel's Messiah on my stereo, and read the Scripture texts as they unfold throughout the three parts of the oratorio.  I can't sing worth a hoot and don't even try.  I wouldn't (and didn't) make a very good charismatic.  But Handel's Messiah just does me in . . .  I keep thinking throughout that this is only a very faint foretaste of the heavenly choir!

You can listen to a great live performance of the Messiah here:  Click here: Handel's 'Messiah' from Philadelphia : NPR Music

Here's a list of the Scripture texts from the 53 sections:  Click here: Worship Map Lyrics:Handel's Messiah (text)

Comments

[George]

Sadly, there's also the Hallelujah Chorus by A Soulful Celebration. Now, I'm a big lover of blues and jazz music of all kinds, but mixing genres like this just leaves me cold (and I'm sure has Handel rolling in the grave). This is also applies to tendency that contemporary "praise" groups seem to have for picking up old hymns with well established melodies and tempos, and reworking them into rock or modern country rhythms.

["lee n. field"]

What English bible did Handle use?

[Chris M.]

Thanks for the Scripture texts. I never knew all of them, but I've made listening to Handel's Messiah a part of my Christmas tradition. I may give your way a try.

[John Yeazel]

That was a beautiful thing Pastor Kim!!! I was transported to the upper eschalons of the third heaven- in my dreams. Of course, it was a perfectly safe mediated religious experience- unlike the charismatic type.

[John Yeazel]

One last thing- I was completely "undone" when catching a glimpse of the Holiness of God and am not the same person anymore. I hope I do not offend anyone by saying that. It is just my attempt at humor. The sound quality coming through the NPR broadcast was terrific. The speakers I have attached to my computer are only moderately good so if you have a better grade speaker I am sure the quality of sound will be superb.