Shouting good news at Christmas

Isaiah 40, NLT

“Comfort, comfort my people,”says your God.

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,

“Clear the way through the wilderness

for the Lord!

Make a straight highway through the wasteland

for our God!

Fill in the valleys,

and level the mountains and hills.

Straighten the curves,

and smooth out the rough places.

Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.

The Lord has spoken!”

This Bible selection is one of several set to music in Handel’s famous musical, Messiah.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale quote — Lightstock.com, stock photos and graphics

THE HANDEL FAMILY

Georg Handel was a barber-surgeon in northern Germany in the 17th century. Barber-surgeons were physicians in medieval Europe who only performed surgery, often treating wounds from war injuries. Eventually, surgery and barbery became separate occupations.

I’m glad his son,George did not follow his father into medicine. Instead George Frideric Handel studied music and eventually composed his masterpiece , Messiah, first performed in 1742, and which millions of people have listened to or sang since then.

We usually associate Messiah with Christmas, but Handel wrote it to be performed at Easter. He drew the words of the songs from Scripture, choosing passages that tell the story of God sending Jesus to earth to redeem His people.

sharing the music of Christmas

Dr. Aletha

Introducing the new Filament Bible. With Filament, you get a beautifully simple print Bible with access to a free digital app. Simply scan the page number using the Filament app, and you’re instantly connected to a world of study, devotional, and interactive visual content all centered around the page you are reading.

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.