 Most people, I would say, have heard of Handel's Messiah, or at least the "Hallelujah Chorus." However, I was well into adulthood before I had ever heard of this famous oratorio. I was in a choir rehearsal at my church and one of the sopranos made some comment about everyone knows the "Hallelujah Chorus." I was so obliging to have her meet one of those heathens who had never heard of it. I thought the poor woman's eyeballs were going to fall out, she had never encountered such impoverished musical ignorance before! I was equally shocked at my appalling ignorance and sought to speedily remedy that. I obtained a copy of the complete Messiah and listened to it in its entirety. It didn't grab me. My first thought was, "I am so woefully ignorant, I just don't get it. This is a really special piece of music, so I must try harder." On the second go around, it still didn't take hold. Finally, determined to find what I was missing, I got a copy of the libretto (the words) and listened in small sections with ATTENTIVENESS. Only then did I began to understand, to get the overview, to become more acquainted with it. Now, I not only have favorite sections, but I LOVE the entire oratorio. Since then, I have learned some riveting details. Handel wrote the music in a mere 17 days. It has been performed somewhere in the world every year since it was first performed April 13, 1742. He wrote it to benefit London orphans. All of the words are from the King James Bible and tell a story of Christ,'s birth, death, and resurrection. A truly wonderful devotional that comes with a CD of some selections is The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader by Donna Payne and Fran Lenzo I cannot recommend this highly enough as a great part of your family's musical education and one that will enhance their appreciation of the Messiah. One of my favorites is: I Know that My Redeemer Liveth I know that my Redeemer liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know eternal life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand. Chorus: I know, I know that Jesus liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know, I know that life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand. I know His promise never faileth, The word He speaks, it cannot die; Tho’ cruel death my flesh assaileth, Yet I shall see Him by and by. 1 I know that my Redeemer liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know eternal life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand. Chorus: I know, I know that Jesus liveth, And on the earth again shall stand; I know, I know that life He giveth, That grace and power are in His hand. I know His promise never faileth, The word He speaks, it cannot die; Tho’ cruel death my flesh assaileth, Yet I shall see Him by and by. [Chorus] I know my mansion He prepareth, That where He is there I may be; Oh, wondrous thought, for me He careth, And He at last will come for me. [Chorus]
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 I just have to share another treasure with you from The Annual of Christmas Literature and Art. Plus...reading always gives me ideas!
Isn't this Christmas Alphabet art a beautiful way to tell the Christmas story? Wouldn't this be a fun writing and art project to give your children? They could make a Christmas Alphabet for their younger siblings.  I have a real affinity for Christmas stories, and for stories in general, and books, but we won't go there! One hot Arizona summer day, I picked up an annual Christmas publication at a thrift store called Christmas: The Annual of Christmas Literature and Art (Volume 61). It is a collection of stories, art, poems, and non-fiction, much like another one of my favorite publications, Ideals, that has gone out of print.
You have probably never heard of Mary Ann Robertson, but she painted...one of which is "White Christmas" that you see here. You know this American folk artist better by the name of Grandma Moses. Encourage your little artists to use the whole paper and draw a winter scene in the same style as Grandma Moses!  I have a little book-reading light that I just love. It hangs lightly around my neck, I can aim it where I want, and it has three settings. Over time, it becomes dim and must be charged. We are just like that. Christians need daily re-charging or our light becomes dim. As Christians, we are called to shine our light. What is this light the Bible speaks of and where does it come from? Jesus, of course. "Then Jesus spake unto them saying, 'I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'"
Where are we to shine our light? On the darkness! In this dark world, people without Christ cannot find their way. They are truly lost in more ways than one, even though they don't believe it. No one likes to think that they are wrong and most people will vigorously and proudly defend their wrongness regardless of the consequences of their error. This sin-filled world is full of darkness, no doubt about it. Usually, I aim my attention on pleasantness and beauty, but it is also important to focus our attention on the darkness. Learning what the Lord wants from us is only the first step, but we live it out when we apply our knowledge. So how can we shine our light in the darkness? 1) Plug in. First, are we plugged in to the power source? Do we read the Bible and pray to the Lord on a daily basis? Do we ask the Lord to shine His glorious light to us? Are we engaged and attentive or do we let our minds stray? 2) Flip the switch. Secondly, do we use quality lighting? Do we use candles or smoky oil lamps to light our home? Only for "atmosphere" perhaps, but not to see our way. We use electricity and bright light bulbs. We need to consider our priorities from time to time. Are our priorities "quality" in that spiritual priorities are first or are our priorities focused on worldly pleasures and materialism? 3) Shine! Finally, is your lighting beautiful? I have always been enamored of chandeliers and I have a couple in my home. They provide both light and delight. Living a life that pleases the Lord is arresting! Others cannot help but notice and be drawn to it like a moth. Is pleasing Him uppermost in our minds? But no one likes to have a bright light shining directly in his face. We need to gently illuminate the truth to others by our example and by loving words. It is our godly example that will guide the lost to find the better way. Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6. |
Renee MetcalfWhere will you find me when I am not teaching? For your reading pleasure!
August 2023
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Photo used under Creative Commons from jofo2005
