Christmas 2024: December 13

An oratorio is a large-scale musical composition, usually on a sacred theme, that often comes directly from a passage of Scripture. Today's Christmas hymn, Handel's "Messiah," is undoubtedly the most famous oratorio of all. Written and composed in 1741, George Handel found inspiration for the song from not one but several passages of Scripture. The first part deals with OT passages prophesying the Messiah's birth. The second part comes from NT passages on the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ, and finally, in the last chorus, Handel describes Revelation's depiction of Judgment Day.

Even though Handel's "Messiah" is so widely known and appreciated, few have actually heard its full 2 1/2-hour performance. Most of us are only familiar with one of Handel's most famous choruses, "For Unto Us a Child is Born - Part 1." This particular chorus comes from today's Scripture reading in Isaiah 9, and especially verse 6:

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
         And the government will rest on His shoulders;
         And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
         Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

In this passage, God warns Israel of the coming judgment because of their stubborn ignorance and sinful rebellion. Even so, the people are undaunted by the promised destruction to come at the hands of the Assyrians. In fact, they are so arrogant that they pronounce that what the Assyrians destroy, they will only build back bigger and better. However, God will not be mocked, and he promised to wipe out Israel's leaders from the least to the greatest. It will be a time of great darkness, yet God will not forget His promises, and Isaiah foretells a time in the future when God restores His people. They will see a "great light," and all their enemies will be defeated and crushed, against overwhelming odds - just as the time when Gideon was given victory over Midian in Judges 7. Then, every war will come to an end, and there will be peace forever. There will be a Child born, but not an ordinary child. It becomes clear throughout the rest of the book that the Child is Israel's long-expected Messiah - God Himself in the flesh, and verse 7 fully reveals His identity and mission:


To this day, Handel's "Messiah" is among the most famous Christmas songs in the church, even though it was originally written for Easter rather than Christmas. Not only that, but it's not technically a "hymn," either. Still, its message (in both lyric and melody) is consistent with all that music should communicate in the church.