Frederick Buechner

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 is an American writer and theologian. (affiliate link) graphic credit Lightstock.com (affiliate link)

Messiah 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.

Learn more about

The Pure Power Of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’

Sharing the HEART of Christmas

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.

December 1, 2018November 30, 2019

Announcing good news

Messiah tells the story of the advent of Christ, His victory over sin and death, His defeat of His enemies, victorious return, establishment of His kingdom on the earth, and the believer’s victory over death through His resurrection.

December 9, 2017December 6, 2020

Bringing good news

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

December 8, 2018December 3, 2022

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.

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

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“Christmas is about the coming of Christ into the world.

Open your heart to receive the best present imaginable: Jesus giving himself to die for you and to serve you all the rest of eternity. Receive this.

Turn away from self-help and sin. Become like little children. Trust him. Trust him. Trust him with your life.”

Excerpted from

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy

Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper

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Listen to a short introduction from Dr. John Piper here, where you can download a free digital copy.

Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner) was an American writer and theologian. He wrote thirty-nine published books as an important 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 its ability to inspire 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)

Dr Aletha

Advent, giving in love

The meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this love. “God so loved . . .” And wonder of wonders, God gives this costly love to an undeserving world of sinners, like us.

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