Handel's Messiah Advent Series 2015

Handel's Messiah is one of the most familiar musical compositions of all time.  The librettist, Charles Jennens, used passages of the King James Version of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.  With musical and theological awareness, Jennens has stitched the texts seamlessly to tell the story of salvation.   

This Advent I will lead a series on Part One of Messiah (the Christmas section).  Part One begins with a word of "Comfort" and concludes with the fulfillment of that promise: the burden of sin is replaced by the yoke of grace.

*On Sun., Dec. 6, Trinity's Chancel Choir, accompanied by organ and chamber musicians, will offer Part One of Messiah during 10:30 a.m. worship. 

Handel wrote Messiah in less than a month (August 22-September 14, 1741), just one year before John Wesley wrote "The Character of a Methodist."  According to one story, just after the completion of the "Hallelujah" chorus, Handel's servant walked in on the composer and found tears streaming down his face.  Handel said: "I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself."

After the premiere of Messiah in London, an aristocrat thanked Handel for giving the audience such excellent entertainment.  Handel replied, “My Lord, I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I wish to make them better.”

Nov. 29

Comfort My People

Isaiah 40:1-10

Dec 6

He Shall Feed His Flock

Isaiah 40:11

Dec 13

Who May Abide

Malachi 3:1-4

Dec 20

For Unto Us a Child Is Born

Isaiah 9:2-7

Dec 24

Glory to God in the Highest

Luke 2:8-20