The Hallelujah Chorus

[MikeinAR]

has been one of my favorites during Christmas time each year. My wife and I heard it earlier this month at a concert and we talked about how magnificient it always sounded. I commented that it almost seemed like Handel had been inspired by God to write such a beautiful piece of music.

I opened my Daily Bread devotional on Saturday and read this article written by Vernon Grounds.

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-d.../devotion.aspx

"Composer George Frideric Handel was bankrupt when in 1741 a group of Dublin charities offered him a commission to write a musical work. It was for a benefit performance to raise funds to free men from a debtors’ prison. He accepted that commission and gave himself tirelessly to work on it.

In just 24 days, Handel composed the well-known masterpiece Messiah, which contains “The Hallelujah Chorus.” During that time, he never left his home and often went without eating. At one point, a servant found him weeping over his evolving score. Recounting his experience, Handel wrote, “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows.” Afterward he also said, “I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself.”

I hope that all of you have a very Merry Christmas and that we all have a fresh experience with the Christ of Christmas this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md-ws...eature=related

[rgcraig]

Mike,

I love this song too and it always been a favorite of mine at Christmas too!

Thanks for posting this!

Merry Christmas!!!!

[Ron]

I do love this piece as well.
I can't listen to it without getting goosebumps!

Every year the Vancouver Bach Choir has a sing along Messiah where the audience is invited to join in.

I want to go some year.

[Cindy]

Great post, and great song.

Mike, Merry Christmas to you and your family.