A HALLELUJAH MOMENT
It’s been ten years since shoppers in a Toronto mall found themselves in the middle of a flash mob choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. We shared it at New Day back then and it’s still worth rewatching. There have been others since, but this one stands out.
You might think a food court an unlikely setting for the glorious sounds of Handel. But that may be the reason it carries such an emotional punch. Somehow, the out-of-placeness captures a deep truth about the Lord of glory showing up in a stable.
“I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”
Words of G.F. Handel to his servant upon completion of Hallelujah
VERSES OF THE DAY
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
QUESTION
The angels brought the news to shepherds. Why do you think God chose them to be the first to know?
What about the message of Jesus do you think is the most joyful part?