Frederick Buechner

Why We Stand for the Hallelujah Chorus

If you have ever attended a live performance of Messiah, you probably stood up during the Hallelujah Chorus. That tradition dates back to King George II of England who according to tradition, was so moved during this song that he stood to his feet. Since he was the king, everyone had to stand with him.

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying,

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,

King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”

Revelation 19, King James Version

The birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. — Carl Frederick Buechner was an American writer and theologian. He died in 2022 at 96 years old.(affiliate link) graphic credit Lightstock.com (affiliate link)

Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus

Often referred to as the Hallelujah Chorus, this passage is the most recognized part of Handel’s Messiah. We 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.

If you have ever attended a live performance of Messiah, you probably stood up during the Hallelujah Chorus. That tradition dates back to King George II of England who according to tradition, was so moved during this song that he stood to his feet. Since he was the king, everyone had to stand with him.

The Pure Power Of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’

The “Hallelujah Chorus,” from George Frideric Handel‘s Messiah, is such an iconic piece of music that it’s easy to take its exuberance and its greatness for granted.

Composer-conductor Rob Kapilow joins Performance Today host Fred Child to examine the structure of Handel’s popular little chorus and discover why the music has such a powerful grip on singers and listeners.

Sharing the HEART of Christmas

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Dr. Aletha

Shouting good news at Christmas

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.

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Handel’s Messiah-Announcing good news

An angel announced the birth of the Savior in Luke 2, bringing joy and a sign of hope. The text from Isaiah 9:6, referenced in Handel’s Messiah, highlights the significance of this birth, which inspired Handel’s composition in 1741. The piece, however, was originally intended for Easter, not Christmas.

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Bringing good news

We usually associate Messiah with Christmas, but Handel intended it to be performed at Easter.

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Advent, Coming to Serve

The Advent season, lasting four weeks before Christmas, signifies the anticipation of Jesus Christ’s coming. Originating from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “arrival,” it emphasizes service and sacrifice.

updated November 24, 2025

The Advent season is a four-week period before Christmas that celebrates the anticipation and coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The origin of “advent” is from the Latin word adventus, which simply translates as “coming” or “arrival.”

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

MARK 10:45, ESV

graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, affiliate link

Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner) was an American writer and theologian. He wrote thirty-nine published books as an essential source of inspiration and learning for many readers.

His work encompasses many genres, including fiction, autobiography, essays, sermons, and other nonfiction. Buechner’s writing has often been praised for inspiring readers to see the grace in their daily lives. He was 96 years old when he died in 2022.

A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory

“Frederick Buechner has grappled with the nature of pain, grief, and grace ever since his father committed suicide when Buechner was a young boy. He continued that search as a father when his daughter struggled with anorexia.

In this essential collection of essays, including one never before published, Frederick Buechner finds that the God who might seem so silent is ever near. He writes about what it means to be a steward of our pain, and about this grace from God that seems arbitrary and yet draws us to his holiness and care.

Finally he writes about the magic of memory and how it can close up the old wounds with the memories of past goodnesses and graces from God.”

(about the book from Amazon affiliate link)

Exploring the HEART of health

Exploring is an adventure. That word, “adventure,” comes from the same Latin root as “advent.”

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Explore Advent

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App. With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

Here are selections for Advent on the Dwell Bible App now.

Advent, giving in love

““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, ESV Vance Havner Vance Havner (1901-1986) is remembered as a witty and passionate preacher and prolific writer. Though he attended Bible college he did not graduate, but self-taught the Bible, such…

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