September 16, 2022

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life inhis name.” (John 20:30-31)

When librettist Charles Jennens finished writing the text to the Messiah, he handed it off to Handel. In a letter to a friend, Jennens wrote, “I hope [Handel] will lay out his whole Genius & Skill upon it, that the Composition may excel all his former Compositions, as the Subject excels every other Subject.” 

Of course, the Messiah tells the story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Theology used to be called the Queen of Sciences. Why is the gospel called “the greatest story ever told”? Because it is the story that you have been dying to hear your whole life. Your sins are forgiven, you are free to go and to be, and you will never die.

Hallelujah!

“O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.” (Tuesday in Easter Week – BCP)