Advent December 1st
Handel’s aim in writing Messiah, as the C.S. Lewis Institute devotional from today points out, wasn’t merely to entertain but to inspire his listeners to be better. In this effort he used Scripture. God’s Word is powerful and active. We are changed when we meditate on it. Handel certainly provided a beautiful way to meditate on God’s Word!
In Making Room for the Light, I wrote about how we need to make room by being intentional in the daily unwrapping of the gift of Jesus. Sometimes the challenge isn't so much about finding the time or determining the place, but a posture of the heart. The world can feel so dark. I can feel so inept and inadequate. I can let the woe drown out the hope. My metaphorical shoulders droop in defeat. But celebrating the birth of Jesus is about a great light breaking through — about hope in the darkness. Ellie Holcomb may not be the musical genius that Handel was, but I still feel greatly encouraged by her song Hope is Alive.
Here are the words:
After the silence of waiting so long
We hear a baby's first cry
And into our midnight
A heavenly song
Whispers that hope is alive
Oh joy to the world on this holy night
So sing with the angels that fill up the sky
Heaven broke through and now hope is alive
He is right here among us
Our God is with us tonight
And hope is alive
In an old stable beneath the bright stars
A young mother is holding her son
Oh the beauty of feeling the beat of God's heart
That tells us that we're not alone
Oh, our Emanuel has come
So sing with the angels that fill up the sky
Heaven broke through and now hope is alive
He is right here among us
Our God is with us tonight
And hope is alive
Hope is alive
Into our aching, into our breaking
Into our longing to be made whole
Your arms are reaching, Your love is holding us close
And into our suffering, into our weeping
Into this need we have to be known
Your arms are reaching, Your love is holding us close
So sing with the Angels that filled up the sky
Those in the shadows have seen a great light
He is right here among us
Our God is with us tonight
And hope is alive
Hope is alive
Hope is alive
Maybe look it up and give it a lesson. From Handel to Holcomb, music at Christmas really is special. What are some of your favorites songs?
Digging Deeper:
Into what midnight do you need a heavenly song?
Do you feel the love of God holding you close?