Are you ready for the Messiah to come? On Saturday, and Sunday, December 23rd & 24th, the Firmament will present for your enjoyment Handel’s Messiah as a unique blend of the Classical, Young and Soulful Messiah.
The lyrics will be provided here along with a PDF you can call up or print out to follow and sing along with us. You will find that the entire score is as a “string of pearls” so to speak, from the King James Version of the Bible.
It opens with Isaiah 40: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people…” Let them know the appointed time has come and their iniquity is pardoned. Jesus said after he had gone to the Father, he would send the Comforter who would come in his name and remind you of all the things he has said.
So then if you pay close attention, you will realize there are two ‘Great Lights’ spoken of in this compilation. There are indeed two Messiahs spoken of.
Two Messiahs
‘Messiah’ is a Hebrew word, which simply means ‘anointed one’ as does ‘Christ’, a Greek word. As the apostle says, “it is because of the chrism (consecrated oil), that ‘the Christ’ has his name… For the Father anointed the Son and the Son anointed the apostles and the apostles anointed us.”
The Comforter, which is of the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.
Jesus (John 14:22-29 )
The Anointed Ones
The High Priest as well as the King were both anointed to their positions of authority, i.e. Aaron and David.
The Testament of Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son explains to his sons: “Since God gave Levi the authority and to Judah with him, to be rulers. It is for this reason that I command you to give heed to Levi, because he will know the law of God and will give instructions concerning justice and concerning sacrifice for Israel until the consummation of times; he is the anointed priest of whom the Lord spoke.
…Draw near to Levi in humility of your hearts in order that you may receive blessing from his mouth. For he will bless Israel and Judah, since it is through him that the Lord has chosen to reign in the presence of all the people.”
The Messiah of Righteousness
Jesus is that anointed High Priest of Levi who dwelt among us some two thousand years ago and who was killed for his testimony. The anointed King, his brother, is that ‘Branch of David’, Shiloh, the Messiah of Righteousness, prophesied to come at the time of the end, like unto Moses, the Messenger of the Covenant to gather the people in obedience to God and restore all things, he is a reflection of that High Priest. As the sun and the moon, they are both ordained to rule and to give light upon the earth day and night.
It is the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ who is found worthy to loose the seals of the Book: the ‘Revelation of Jesus Christ.’
We hope you enjoy this symphony we are honored to present to you. Please join us in singing a new song celebrating the redemption, salvation, forgiveness and the victory secured for us by the Lamb of God.
Hallelujah!
Jesus said to pray in this manner: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…”
The answer to this prayer is in the Book of Revelation given as the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’:
“Hallelujah, for the Lord omnipotent reigns. Hallelujah! The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdom of our LORD and of His Christ/Messiah; and he shall reign forever. King of kings, Lord of lords, Hallelujah! (Praise God!)”
Continue to the special presentation of Handel’s Messiah.