In the heart of Revelation 19:6, we hear the triumphant voices of a great multitude proclaiming "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns." This powerful declaration is echoed in Revelation 11:15, where heavenly voices announce Christ's eternal reign.

George Frideric Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus, concluding Part II of Messiah, has become one of music's most iconic pieces. Its impact was memorably demonstrated in 2010 when 80 members of Chorus Niagara performed a flash mob at Ontario's Seaway Mall. The performance, which began with a single soprano and grew into a full chorus, captured the attention of unsuspecting shoppers and became a viral sensation.

The piece's power lies in its ability to transport listeners from the mundane to the magnificent. As singers proclaimed "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," observers were visibly moved, their expressions reflecting the transcendent nature of the moment. One young boy's awestruck face particularly captured the impact of this heavenly intrusion into everyday life.

Handel himself was deeply affected while composing Messiah, often weeping during its creation. After completing the "Hallelujah" section, he reportedly said, "I did think I saw heaven open, and saw the very face of God." The composition's majestic elements - heralding trumpets, thunderous timpani, and soaring soprano lines - create an unparalleled musical experience that continues to move audiences to tears.

The tradition of standing during the "Hallelujah" chorus began with King George II at its London premiere. Today, we stand not for an earthly king but in recognition of Christ's glory - the same Christ who entered our world as a humble baby and died on a cross, yet reigns as King of kings.

This piece gives us a glimpse of our future participation in that great heavenly chorus, when we'll join countless voices in declaring, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns."

This meditation appears in "Unto Us: 25 Devotions About the Messiah," offering guidance for incorporating moments of worship into Christmas celebrations, whether alone or with others, joining our voices with the heavenly host that celebrated Christ's birth and the great multitude in John's vision.

Related Articles

Previous Articles