Handel’s Messiah: A Timeless Work of Divine Inspiration

Chuck Spangler

Grace Memorial Parishioner

​“Messiah” is universally acknowledged as one of the finest musical pieces ever composed.  The work was accomplished by Handel with assistance from Charles Jenners (an 18th century lyricist).  The combination of a strong Christian theme, four part voice harmonies and solos, orchestral compositions (running the gamut of strings, percussion, and horns), and at times a unique and majestic harmonious blend of voice, instrument, and verse, “Messiah” is indeed worth listening to and reflecting on over many “takes”.
​
     If ever one could conclude that “Divine Inspiration” exists, this work offers convincing evidence:
     Handel commenced the “Messiah” on August 22, 1741, in response to a competition for a new work of music to be performed in Dublin on Easter, 1742.  The work was somehow completed by Handel on September 14, 1741…a miraculous feat accomplished in twenty-three days!

     The Dublin audience was understandably in awe of the superb music.  The Dublin debut was followed over the next few years by concerts in London and throughout Europe.  Over the centuries a number of changes to the work have been made; however, the basic composition has stood the test of time.

The seven YouTube videos highlighted below represent a portion of “Part I” which concentrates on the birth of Jesus.  Each Advent season, our youth would be “exposed” to this classic which might be alternately labeled as the “First Christian Praise Music” composition!

"Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. 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." ​ISAIAH 40: 1-3  

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” ISAIAH 40:4  ​

“Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name E M M A N U E L, God with us.” ISAIAH 7:14  ​

“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.”  ISAIAH 9:6

“There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the Angel of the Lord ca me u po n them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.” LUKE 2: 8-9

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” LUKE 2:14

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” Luke 1:14