“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV

In this, the third week of Advent, we light the candle of joy, which joins the candles of hope and love. We rejoice at the first coming of the Messiah. As the host of heavenly angels told the shepherds, they brought “good tidings of great joy.”

Throughout the Bible, joy is often expressed with music. “Sing to Elohim; make music to praise his name.” Psalm 68:4 NOG. Music is a gift from God to be used for our joy and for His glory.

One of the greatest musical celebrations of Advent is Handel’s Messiah. This glorious oratorio of the story of the birth of Jesus was written in 1741 by George Frideric Handel in just 24 days! This is an amazing Christ honoring composition. We are most familiar with the “Hallelujah” in Part II.

This Advent, find some quiet time to joyfully listen to some of this great work.