a word for Lent – Comfort

I’m glad 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.

tall snow covered mountain peaks

 Comfort for God’s People

Comfort, comfort my people,
    says your God

man standing in a road
photo from Lightstock.com, stock photo site, an affiliate link 

In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord];
make straight in the desert a highway for our God

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;

the rough ground shall become level ,the rugged places a plain.

 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength.”

Isaiah 40 (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“every valley”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also quoted this scripture passage in his iconic “I have a dream” speech. Read about it here-

Remembering Dr. King’s dream

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.

Listen on Apple Music – an affiliate link , the commission supports this blog

HANDEL'S MESSIAH- A SOULFUL CELEBRATION album cover

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 HEART of faith, hope, and love

"faith, hope, love" each word written on a card, strung on a line with clothes pins
Lightstock.com graphic; find it at this link

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.

3 thoughts on “a word for Lent – Comfort”

  1. Thank you for this, Aletha. I am going to listen to Handel’s Massiah tomorrow! I love it, and while yes, we do associate it with Christmas, it’s such a beautiful and comforting piece. Thank you for bringing this to my mind today. Your post was such a blessing!

    Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

    Like

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