SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 6, 2009 Second Sunday of Advent

George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” expresses beautifully the message of Advent. The conclusion of the second part of his sacred oratorio is the soaring Hallelujah chorus. Its sheer musical beauty almost demands that we rise to our feet, and by tradition we do. This custom began in 1743 when King George II rose to his feet upon hearing the music. In those days, when the king stood, everyone stood. The facts are lost to history, but many say the king stood because the music heralded a greater king than he. He may have been moved by the vision of the closing words of today’s Gospel: “All humankind will see God’s salvation.”

Deacon Dick Folger