"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne, and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this," (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV).
I cannot read these verses without hearing the music of "The Messiah" written by G. F. Handel. My home community presented this every year on the first Sunday of December. A chorus, made of dedicated musicians, filled the First Methodist Church of Marshalltown. My dad was one of the faithful who sang every year as long as he was able. So it was tradition for our family to attend each year.
The music tells the story of Jesus Christ and the score includes the "Hallelujah" Chorus. It is sung after Jesus rises from the dead on the third day. Because this music meant so much to our family, we used the "Hallelujah" Chorus at the end of my parents' funerals.
As Christmas approaches, our thoughts turn to the beginning of Christ Jesus' life and we rejoice in His holy birth. But we cannot forget the rest of the story. The reason why Jesus came to Earth, to save us from our sins. What a glorious gift Jesus is. May the meaning of Christmas be filled with the hope that is coming in His birth.
O Lord, thank you for sending us Your Son, to save us from our sins. May our hearts be filled with the true meaning of Christmas this season. Amen.
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