Christ Church Daily Devotion Nov 22 2023

Isaiah's passage in the Bible brings hope during difficult times. Handel's Messiah, a musical oratorio, is based on these verses and emphasizes God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Hallelujah Chorus proclaims Jesus as the King of Kings. This serves as a reminder of God's promise of hope for the world today. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion from November 22nd, 2023. Today, we will be reading from Isaiah chapter nine, verse six through seven. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness. From that time on and forever, the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah writes at a time when things were about as bad as they could get for the kingdom of Judah. Assyria was threatening Judah with the same fate as their takeover of Israel and Samaria. There was no peace. Into the midst of this darkness, Isaiah proclaims God's light of hope. According to Dr. Stephen B. Boyd, professor of religion at Wake Forest University, and with the current news, these verses give us hope today too. When I read these verses, I hear from the musical creation of Handel's Messiah. George F. Handel wrote this magnificent 260-page musical oratorio from August 22nd, 1741. Until September 14th, 1741, in only 24 days. In the oratorio, the song for Unto Us a Child is Born is written from these verses from the King James version of Handel's times. Handel wrote, the music in such a way, which punctuates each word description of the promised hope given through God's gifts for all people in Jesus Christ. Wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Handel's music helps us to see God's gift of salvation in the birth of God's own son, who will bring justice and righteousness and all authority will rest upon his shoulders. The most well-known song of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus, makes the resounding declaration from the scriptures, Hallelujah, and he shall reign forever and ever, forever and ever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. King of Kings. Hallelujah. Today's personal worship option. This is God's promise of hope for the world today. Hallelujah. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Lord, may your light of hope shine through us in many ways to give your hope to a hurting world. Amen.