Handel's Messiah: Biblical Theology in the Baroque Style

Dear OBC,
At the start of the Fall, we returned to Sunday School with a series on Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. This series spoke more to what we sing in our time together corporately as a congregation. And as we enter into the season of Advent, we will return to the theme of music, albeit through a different route. If the phrase "All of Christ for All of Life" is true, then that means everything is under Christ's lordship, including music that is outside the church. Enter: our next Sunday School Series on George Frideric Handel's Messiah.

Just as it is good to read biographies of saints who've gone before us, or to sing their hymns, it also good to listen to the musical works of saints such as Haydn, Bach, or in this case Handel, who gave all glory to God in what they wrote (each of these three composers wrote SDG [Soli Deo Gloria, All Glory to God] in the corner of their manuscripts), even as their music was used for dances, the nobility, the sacred realm, and for entertainment.

Many know Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and the tradition that many stand to sing it when it is performed each year (supposedly this goes back to 1743!), but there is so much more to this composition, as we will see. Through this series we will explore music, history, and theology. We will deal with the music and life of Handel, and the theology of the Scriptures found in his most iconic work. Pastor David, Pastor Ben, and I (Matt), look forward to our time teaching on this subject. And while you're at it, take a listen to Handel's Messiah in preparation. One popular recording is by the Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra or if you want the tempos just a bit more upbeat, John Eliot Gardener & the Monteverdi Choir & English Baroque Soloists' recording is one I've been appreciating more as of late.

You can also find a wealth of resources at Christ Over All, where in December 2024 we dedicated a whole month to the oratorio. There you can find articles and podcasts to get even more background knowledge on this masterpiece.

I hope this series fills you with great anticipation and joy as we celebrate this Advent season together, so that, whether we listen to, or sing Handel's Messiah, we can give glory to God for what He has done in and through Jesus Christ: "Glory to God in the Highest!"