Dec
24
Handel’s Messiah
By Jan Ross | Comments Off
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
One of the most majestic and anointed musical compositions of all times was written by George Frideric Handel in the 1700’s. One writer (1) stated, “As it turns out, The Messiah is either a Bible study with a beautiful concert attached, or a wonderful piece of classical music with a free Bible study included at no extra charge. I can’t decide which. I do remember reading that when Handel was alive, the Messiah was one of the most often performed pieces of music in concert, and that Handel gave away most of the profits obtained from his concerts to support orphaned children.”
Performances of Handel’s oratorio, Messiah , have become a Christmas tradition, and for many the “Hallelujah Chorus” expresses the joy which the coming of Christ, the King of Kings, brings. Handel wrote his masterful music in an amazing 24 days and was passionately moved by the Scriptures describing Jesus’ incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and coronation as King of kings. He worked on his masterpiece almost nonstop, with little sleep or food. One day his servant opened the door to find Handel at his work, with tears streaming down his face. Handel looked up and cried out, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.”
When “Messiah” was performed before King George II of England in 1743, the king rose when the triumphal notes of the “Hallelujah Chorus” were first played. Of course, everyone had to rise when the king did, and the tradition of rising for the “Hallelujah Chorus” began – a tradition that continues to this day.
So, while it is more lengthy than other daily meditations, included in Today’s Devotion are the lyrics and Bible verses and a little bit of history regarding its writing. You will find that Handel’s Messiah is a beautiful study of prophesies and other verses about our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust you will be blessed by reading the scripture and encouraged to find a copy of Handel’s Messiah to gain a deeper appreciation of this inspired musical masterpiece!
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
George Frideric Handel
(1685-1759)
Part I
(1) Overture
(2) Comfort Ye
Isaiah 40:1-3
1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . .
3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(3) Every Valley
Isaiah 40:4
4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
(4) And the Glory of the Lord
Isaiah 40:5
5. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
(5) Thus saith the Lord
Haggai 2:6,7
6. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Yet once, a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come
Malachi 3:1
1. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.
(6) But who may abide the Day of His Coming?
Malachi 3:2
2. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire.
(7) And He shall Purify
Malachi 3:3
3. And He shall purify the sons of Levi. . . that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
(8) Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive
Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:23)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name EMMANUEL, God with us.
(9) O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
Isaiah 40:9
9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Isaiah 60:1
1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
(10) For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
Isaiah 60:2,3
2. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
(11) The people that walked in darkness
Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
(12) For unto Us a Child is born
Isaiah 9:6
6. 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, the Prince of Peace.
(13) Pastoral Symphony
(14) There were shepherds abiding in the field
Luke 2:8,9
8. There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(15) And the Angel said unto them
Luke 2:10,11
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(16) And suddenly there was with the Angel
Luke 2:13
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(17) Glory to God
Luke 2:14
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(18) Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion
Zechariah 9:9,10 (Matthew 21:5)
9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Savior. .
10. . . And he shall speak peace unto the heathen.
(19) Then shall the eyes of the blind
Isaiah 35:5,6
5. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
(20) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew 11:28, 29
28. Come unto [Him], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and [He shall] give you rest.
29. Take [his] yoke upon you, and learn of [Him]; for [he is] meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(21) His yoke is easy
Matthew 11:30
30. [His] yoke is easy, and [his] burden is light.
Part II
(22) Behold the lamb of God
John 1:29
29.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.
(23) He was despised
Isaiah 53:3
3. He is despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. . .
Isaiah 50:6
[He] gave [His] back to the smiters, and [His] cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: [He] hid not [His] face from shame and spitting.
(24) Surely He hath borne our griefs
Isaiah 53:4,5
4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . 5. . . He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him,
(25) And with His stripes we are healed
Isaiah 53:5b
5. and with His stripes we are healed
(26) All we like sheep have gone astray
Isaiah 53:6
6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
(27) All they that see him laugh him to scorn
Psalm 22:7
7. All they that see [him] laugh [him] to scorn: they shoot out their lips, they shake their heads, saying:
(28) He trusted in God
Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
8. He trusted [in God] that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, if he delight in him.
(29) Thy rebuke hath broken His heart
Psalm 69:20
20. [Thy] rebuke hath broken [his] heart; [He is] full of heaviness. [He] looked for some to have pity [on Him], but there was none; neither found [He] any to comfort [Him].
(30) Behold, and see if there be any sorrow
Lamentations 1:12
12. Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto [his] sorrow. . .
(31) He was cut off out of the land of the living
Isaiah 53:8b
8. he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of [Thy] people was He stricken.
(32) But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell
Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
10. [But] thou [didst] not leave [his] soul in hell; neither [didst] thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.
(33) Lift up your heads, O ye gates
Psalm 24:7-10
7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.
8. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.
10. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
(34) Unto which of the angels said He at any time
Hebrews 1:5 (Psalm 2:7)
5. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?
(35) Let all the angels of God worship Him
Hebrews 1:6b
6. “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
(36) Thou art gone up on high
Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
18. Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
(37) The Lord gave the word
Psalm 68:11
11. The Lord gave the word: great was the company of [the preachers].
(38) How beautiful are the feet
Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
15. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(39) Their sound is gone out
Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
18. their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.
(40) Why do the nations so furiously rage together?
Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25-26)
1. Why do the heathen rage, and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2. The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed,
(41) Let us break their bonds asunder
Psalm 2:3
3. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us.
(42) He that dwelleth in heaven
Psalm 2:4
4. He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision.
(43) Thou shalt break them
Psalm 2:9
9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
(44) Hallelujah
Revelation 19:6
6. Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 11:15
15. . . 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 19:16
16. . . . KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.
(!) ( Bruce L. Johnson ~ 1998)
Ref: IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
____________________________
Lord, only Your Word could properly convey the majestic incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and coronation of the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords! When I consider Your greatness, words elude me. When I think of Your Majesty, I am silenced with awe. When I see Your holiness, my righteousness is but filthy rags. Oh Lord Most High, Hallelujah! The Messiah has come and performed the greatest act of love known in the universe, the Sacrifice Lamb shedding His blood so that I might live, so that I might have life, so that His glory could be revealed through His Body, His Bride! Thank You for so great a gift! Thank You for confirming Your Word through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, our Messiah! For Your glory and honor . . . amen and amen!
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1)
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Dec
23
Silent Night
By Jan Ross | Comments Off
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
“Silent Night” has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” can easily be called the world’s best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.
Silent Night
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 in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!
[Alternate Verses]
Silent night, holiest night!
Darkness flies, all is light!
Shepherds hear the angels sing;
“Alleluia! Hail the King!
Jesus, the Savior is here,
Jesus, the Savior is here.”
Holy light, perfect light,
Christ of God, Oh, how bright
Doth Thy Spirit shine always!
Healing, blessing man each day
With Thy heavenly love,
With Thy heavenly love.
Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend your light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
There was really nothing “silent” about this night. There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift possible. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.
It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the Visitor to their humble stable.
Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and make one more list before you leave your house or office today. Count your blessings and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a special gift to a friend by telling them about the precious King of Kings and Lord of Lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever…give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the Savior whose birth we celebrate every day of the year.
Father, Your Gift of Love wrapped in flesh that memorable night is cause for JOY! Your Gift of Love so freely given, so fully sufficient, so awesomely presented to this world still brings me to my knees in awe and thankfulness! Your Gift of Love so perfectly planned fulfilled every purpose You had in mind, bringing glory to Your Sovereign Reign over all! I give You glory and honor for that night not so silent when Salvation touched this earth conquering death, hell, and the grave! Silent? Never! I’ll shout it from the rooftops—Jesus Christ is Lord of All! Alleluia to the King! Amen and Amen!
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Dec
22
Away in a Manger
By Jan Ross | Comments Off
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Probably one of the first songs little children are taught during this season is “Away in a Manger”. I can remember as a little girl singing this with my class in front of the entire church, each of us stepping out of the choir to say our verse while we recited the entire account of the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. It was something we looked forward to each year, singing the sweet lullaby about Baby Jesus and saying our memory verses.
Although some believe this carol was penned by Martin Luther, German religious reformer and author of a number of beautiful hymns, it is almost certainly of late 19th century American origin. Verses 1 and 2 appeared anonymously in Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File, Philadelphia, 1885, and verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). The tune most used is the ‘Cradle song’ by American Gospel song writer W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-21).
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.
While the song, unlike so many we’ve highlighted these past few days, does not convey the Gospel in song, it tells of the tender newborn Christ-Child who has captured the love and adoration of generations of children and adults alike. Not because He was a baby born in unfortunate circumstances, but because this Child was God in the flesh come to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death.
The mere mention of His name, the name of Jesus, works to tenderize even the hardest heart during this season. While we could list the pro’s and con’s of celebrating Christmas in December or celebrating it at all, the fact remains that during this time of year we are given a freedom to share the blessed truth of our Savior’s birth with most anyone and they are more apt to be open to listen.
Let’s take advantage of this season. There are so many ways you can express your love and adoration of this Christ-Child by sharing His life and death and everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Don’t be timid. Teach the children the name of Jesus – use simple little songs like “Away in a Manger” and then teach them Who they’re singing about. Recount the last two lines of the last verse . . . “Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.” What better way you yourself to be “fit for heaven” than to share the WHOLE story of Jesus and His love. What better way to fit others for heaven than to share openly about the Jesus who they see lying in a manger.
Father, help me to seek out opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, no longer a baby in a manger, but reigning King and Lord over all creation. Show me ways to use this season to an advantage, more openly proclaiming the love of God and more boldly sharing the Reason for this season. Father, every time I hear a Christmas song, help me remember that it is an invitation from You to speak into the lives of those around me. If I’m in the store, at work, at home, at a party or get-together…wherever it may be, help me to tell the Good News, that You might be glorified! In Jesus’ name, amen and amen!
© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Dec
21
We Are the Reason
By Jan Ross | Comments Off
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15)
During this season, more than all others, the “Reason” can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the “Reason” for the season. Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the “Reason” for the season.
Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, “We Are the Reason” shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!
We Are the Reason
by David Meece
As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we’d find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life
Chorus
We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love Chorus
Every time I see the cross
I’m reminded that He gave His life
For you and me… Chorus
We are the reason but
He is the reason we live
There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.
It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the Visitor to their humble stable.
Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the “Reason” for the season truly is and what He has done for you. Make one more list: count your blessings and begin to praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend that costs nothing. Tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the “Reason for the Season.”
Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that, as hard as I try not to, I can get caught up in the busyness of these days. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and every season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh who came to earth and dwelt among us, who eternally lives and reigns in Majesty, amen and amen!
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Dec
18
The First Noel
By Jan Ross | Comments Off
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” ( Luke 1:30-33)
We have all received a Christmas card at one time or another greeting us with “Noel.” It is a French word and has come to mean either “Christmas” or “carol.” In this particular carol, it is used as a shout of joy at the birth of Jesus. It probably is derived from the Latin word “natalis” meaning “birth.” When the word found its way to England, it was spelled “nowell” and came to mean “Now all is well,” because that is what the angels told the shepherds, when Christ was born.
The song is probably the oldest popular carol in the English language, handed down by custom over the centuries. Finally, it was harmonized and printed in 1833 in William Sandy’s “Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern.” The music is assumed to be from a French or English medieval shepherd’s tune.
THE FIRST NOEL
The first noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Chorus
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East, beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued, both day and night. Chorus
And by the light of that same Star
Three Wise Men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the Star wherever it went. Chorus
This Star drew nigh to the North West;
O’er Bethlehem it took it’s rest.
And there it did both stop and stay,
High over the place where Jesus lay. Chorus
Then did they know assuredly
Within that house, the King did lie
One entered in then for to see
And found the babe in poverty. Chorus
Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon bended knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Chorus
Now let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought. Chorus
Born is the King of Israel! Hallelujah! The last verse sums up the entire carol . . . “Now let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord – the Lord that made heaven and earth from nothing and with His blood bought the redemption of all of mankind!” (paraphrased)
The traditional Christmas carols seem to speak volumes, telling the story of Jesus, and writing it upon the hearts of men, women and children everywhere as they sing them over and over and over again. Even the unbelieving in this world find themselves singing these words which were ultimately written to bring praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why not spend a few moments in the quietness of your own heart (if you can contain it) and think of the Reason for this season and every season … can there be found any greater reason to sing and rejoice and give glory to the Father?
Rejoice! “Born is the King of Israel”!
From the depths of your heart, rejoice!
Father, as I consider the words of this and the many other Christmas carols, I find myself so overwhelmed with joy and even a sense of Godly pride – I know this Christ-child whose birth is lauded and has been praised and exalted throughout the centuries. Lord, thank You for the knowledge of grace, for the experience of mercy, for the cleansing of the blood, for the washing of the water of the Word, for the ability to draw nigh to You throughout the year. Lord, thank You for the gift of Life that lives within me. Help me to share the Gift with all. Oh yes, I am rejoicing … the King of Israel – my King – the King of kings and the Lord of lords lives within my heart! Amen and Amen!
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved


