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.
Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.
The Lord has spoken!”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.
This Bible selection is one of several set to music in Handel’s famous musical, Messiah.
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 Handelstudied 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.
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
“Christmas in July” is more than just a humorous reference to early holiday merchandise. According to Hallmark, it’s a genuine mid-year Christmas celebration. The event mirrors the festive spirit of Christmas, but with a summery twist. This includes enjoying outdoor fires, family time, and joyous gatherings. The passage from Isaiah 9:6 is often associated with the birth of Christ, and Handel’s Messiah further popularizes this connection.
Updated June 20, 2025.
I thought “Christmas in July” made a joking reference to the Christmas merchandise appearing in stores during the summer. But according to the folks at Hallmark, who ought to know, it is a holiday in its own right.
Christmas in July is your once-a-year chance to celebrate all the things you love about Christmas: the fun, the family, the parties, the cozy fireplaces.
Now, think about all the things you love about summer: the fun, the family, the parties, the cozy firepits.
Replace the inside fires with outside fires and you have Christmas in July, a “Half Christmas” celebration that just makes July jolly.
There is even a rather old movie about Christmas in July available to buy on DVD
And a new Christmas In July movie available to stream on Amazon Prime.
The Christmas Story in July
When I originally wrote this piece, I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible (DAB) Chronologic version and this was the reading for July 13.
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Although Isaiah is in the Old Testament, many Christians believe this passage refers to the birth of Christ, which we celebrate at Christmas, so it is common to hear this verse quoted in sermons and readings.
The best-known use of this scripture for Christmas is in Handel’s Messiah.
George Frideric Handel used this scripture from Isaiah in his famous work, Messiah, first performed in 1742, performed or heard by millions of people since then. Although it’s usually performed at Christmas, Handel wrote it for Easter.
“Messiah is a fixture of the Christmas season. Woe to the concert hall in the United States or Britain that fails to schedule the piece around the holiday.
For many amateur choirs, the work is the heart of their repertoire and the high point of the year.”
Handel’s father was a barber-surgeon. Barber-surgeons were physicians in medieval Europe, who as the name suggests performed surgery, often treating wounds from war injuries. Eventually, surgery and barbery became separate occupations.
Exploring the HEART of health
Do you plan for Christmas year-round, wait til the week before, or somewhere between? What does Christmas mean to you and your family?
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Please follow the links below to learn more about Daily Audio Bible and George Handel.
Did you know Handel’s “Messiah,” usually linked to Christmas, was originally intended for Easter, drawing from Old and New Testament scriptures. Tdditionally, Handel’s father was a barber-surgeon, medieval surgeons also cut hair.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 