Handel used the lyrics from a preacher Charles Jennens, who wrote out the whole piece as a collage of Bible verses designed to tell a story about the Messiah.
We usually associate Messiah with Christmas, but Handel composed it to be performed at Easter.
“Handel used the lyrics from a preacher Charles Jennens, who wrote out the whole piece as a collage of Bible verses designed to tell a story about the Messiah.
In some cases Jennens copied verses from the King James Version of the Bible directly, and in other cases he abridged or modified the wording of the Bible verses somewhat to fit into something that could be set to music and sung. He also decided to change the “point of view” in a couple of places.
Rather than quoting Jesus’ words about himself directly, for instance, he made a few changes so that the singers are singing about Jesus rather than portraying the role of Jesus.”
“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.”
Good Friday is observed by Christians worldwide as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial. The cross, symbolizing this event, is emblematic of Christianity. Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, a highly esteemed writer, produced numerous works on faith. Biblical accounts from the books of Mark, John, and Luke provide the scriptural basis for this observance.
The Cross, symbol of Christianity
Christians around the world observe the Friday before Easter as “Good Friday”, although the events remembered are dark and somber. They believe that on this day, as recorded in the New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, died, and was buried.
Thus, a cross became perhaps the best-known symbol of Christianity.
Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988) was a Swiss theologian widely regarded as one of the greatest theologians and spiritual writers of modern times. Named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, he died shortly before being formally inducted into the College of Cardinals.
“A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.
And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).
Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross.”
Gospel of Mark chapter 15
Photo by Dr. Aletha
“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene.”
“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, ……When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Gospel of John chapter 19
Good Friday-Jesus was buried in a tomb
“Then he (Joseph) took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.
As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed.”
Thanks for sharing these words of faith, hope, and love with me. Dr. Aletha
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