Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for taking part in today’s study. Regular readers know I sometimes add music links because I love music. Sometimes, I include a lively rock song not usually related to Bible studies to energize, entertain, and surprise.
My early musical tastes were influenced by listening to my parents’ record collection of popular 1960s Broadway show tunes. I clearly remember the soundtracks of The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Fiddler on the Roof.
Classical music was also played at our home; my dad’s favorite was Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” with the boom-boom cannons. I also performed simple pieces by Beethoven and Mozart during my piano recitals.
Then, on February 9, 1964, I watched “four lads from Liverpool” perform on the Ed Sullivan Show, with 75 million Americans, and that culturally iconic musical event changed EVERYTHING for my generation. Afterwards, I asked my father’s opinion, who famously said, “Na, they are just a fad and won't last a month.” And so began my lifelong love of what is now called “classic rock.”
After Jesus entered my life at age 20, I discovered “Handel's Messiah.” The power of the Hallelujah Chorus especially stayed with me, and when cellphones began offering personalized ringtones, that became mine. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching people’s expressions as the Hallelujah Chorus fills public spaces, such as a checkout line or a small gathering. One time, I received a call during a Bible study, and we all agreed that it was a sign from God.
This week, while thinking about a topic for today’s study, “Messiah” came to mind. The last time I wrote about Handel’s masterpiece was Dec. 15, 2024 – Vol. 246, and before that on Dec. 3, 2023 – Vol. 194. So, you could say that I am making a Messiah-themed study an annual thing. But isn’t celebrating the birth of Jesus a yearly thing? And, in my opinion, it should be a daily thing, since one can never over-hear the Messiah.
Therefore, instead of reinventing the wheel, I suggest reviewing Vol. 194 and Vol. 246. Then I decided to turn this study into a celebration of shared love for the Messiah by reposting some inspiring reader comments from the past two years with the screen names removed. Since many of you wrote such beautiful thoughts, why not share them with all readers? And don’t be shy about responding, “That was my comment,” among those shown below. Another goal of this study is to inspire all readers to become fans of 1742’s number one chart-topping hit.
We begin with comments from Dec. 3, 2023, in the study titled “Handel’s Messiah and the Bible.”
“All the words in the Bible are really from the mouth of God for us because none of us know how to properly praise and glorify our Creator. I'm sure God raised up Handel's Messiah for the good of man at that time and keeps it so prevalent today.”
A reader recommended:
“Everyone should listen to as much as you have time for, probably online. I sang it as a child in church choirs. ‘And the glory, the glory of the Lord, shall be revealed...’ ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth...."
Another suggested:
“Although it is 2-3 hours long, you can buy recordings of just the major choruses, and you will find that the Hallelujah chorus is NOT the only one that'll stick in your mind, and you'll be singing along with it. Most of them are that way.”
On that day, I responded to the reader’s comment, writing:
“True. Several Messiah chorus segments are like crazy glue on your brain.”
A reader with experience shared:
“Singing with a chorus, I have performed The Messiah three times. Each time I tremble a bit during the Hallelujah Chorus, and burst with joy during, ‘And He Shall Purify.’”
Another reader responded to that comment:
“The final chorus - 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain' is truly majestic.”
From another reader who has performed:
“I've played parts and tried to sing parts in choir. It is incredibly humbling. I believe Handle's Messiah to be divinely inspired.”
Within Vol. 194, I wrote this paragraph:
“I link to a Messiah ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ flash mob video from a shopping mall food court in 2010. After watching, you will understand why Handel wrote, ‘I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.’ (And maybe you will, too).” And to that paragraph, a reader commented:
“Watching the video and hearing the song sung made me cry. Perhaps God is talking to me? Thank you for starting our Christmas season this way.”
A thoughtful reader wrote:
“Handel's masterpiece ‘Messiah’ is just plain and simple my favorite Christmas music. It is just about the only music that truly encompasses the REAL meaning and story of Christmas that is too much forgotten in the mad world of buy, buy, buy, spend, spend of retail holiday we have today.”
I wholeheartedly agree with the following comment:
“Handel's Messiah is too good to be played only at Christmas time.”
A reader shared a fond memory:
“My mother always sang the soprano solos, and I can still hear her voice singing 'I know that my redeemer liveth.'”
What follows are three readers' comments from last year’s Vol. 246: Bible Verses in Handel’s Messiah:
“Everyone who has sung in a performance of Handel’s Messiah has had the privilege of being one of God’s prophets for a brief moment in their lives. It’s an extraordinary and emotional experience, and in places difficult to sing because of the depth of emotion being experienced.”
“Handel’s masterpiece stands the test of time not simply for his beautiful music but because he uses beautiful music to carry the very words and promises of God into the ears and hearts of sinners like us. The word of the Lord endures forever.”
“The story of how his Messiah masterpiece came into creation is an inspiring one, and someday I'd love to read that to an audience before the performance. My understanding is that it wasn't long in the process before Mr. Handel realized that the creative process was coming straight from the Holy Spirit, causing him to miss days of food and sleep, and weep tears of joy over what his pen put to the page.”
Last year, I ended this Messiah Bible study writing:
“We conclude with a joyous rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from the previously mentioned 1992 Grammy award-winning album ‘Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration.’ I imagine Handel rocking and rolling in his grave.” And to that, a reader commented:
“As a musician and singer, and having participated in singing Messiah, I think I can safely say that Handel, if he were still alive, would approve of this rendition of his famous chorus.”
Finally, I assume that “Handel, if he were still alive, would approve of” Myra using the Hallelujah Chorus as her cell phone ringtone for the past several decades.
Please leave a comment if you've enjoyed reading about the love and memories shared by Townhall readers for the Messiah. Now, share some new ones and always be thankful, knowing that “He will reign forever and ever!” Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join our new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com