Handel's Messiah and Biblical Message

Messiah by Handel is considered the greatest oratorio of all time, with its powerful "Hallelujah Chorus".

Handel's oratorio, Messiah, remains the most famous sacred music for Easter and Christmas among Christians, most especially the "Hallelujah Chorus."  The fact is that this oratorio was not created by George Handel for Christmas but for Lent. It was premiered on April 13, 1742, the Tuesday before Easter, in a small theater in Dublin, Ireland.

Starting in 1745, the performance of the Messiah became an yearly event in Dublin during Holy week. It was only during the 19th century when it crossed the Atlantic that performances of the oratorio became associated with the Christmas season.


The biblical message of Handel's oratorio is found in the video, courtesy of Youtube.  Here's the lyrics of the "Hallelujah Chorus",  (mixed voice parts):

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! (4X)

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! (7X)

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! (5X)






Video Credit:

Handel Oratorio "Messiah": the Biblical Message behind the Musical Masterpiece. Youtube, uploaded by 4Biblestudents. Accessed March 29, 2013.