Another Christmas has come and almost gone (It’s getting close to midnight as I write this.) Before it slips away, I feel compelled to share something that has dominated my thoughts all week.
Last Sunday I participated in the annual Messiah sing-along held locally here at Bates College. This is an opportunity for anyone who wants to, to be able to sing as a choir for the chorus sections and listen as an audience for the solo and instrumental sections of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah Oratorio. This was my second time experiencing this event, and it once again had a strong impact on me.
the opening words to the entire Oratorio are from Isaiah Chapter 40: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people!” The selected scriptures go on to reveal what this comforting message is all about – that a Savior will be revealed to all the world to reconcile people to God. And that Savior is Jesus Christ the Lord.
This year, one section really stood out to me. The verse is from Isaiah 40:9 “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain! O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength! Lift it up, be not afraid! Say unto the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’”
In a time when our culture recognizes Peace and Good Will as the center of Christmas, but keeps Jesus tucked safely away in his manger nestled in the heart of a sweet folklore story, I want to look upon that manger scene, and always remember these words: “Behold, your God!!” That’s who Jesus was and is, much more than a sweet little baby, much more than a wise and good teacher, much more than a motivating leader… He was and is “Emanuel” which means “God with us”.
So I am compelled on this Christmas day, to “get myself up into the high mountain”, to a place where I can broadcast the good news. I am compelled to say with Isaiah “Comfort ye, my people! Behold your God!”
Merry Christmas, and God bless you all! (Carol clark, Sam’s wife)
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