The God Who Transforms “Mess” into “Messiah”

Christmas is coming and your house is a mess. Maybe even your whole life feels like a mess right about now. Honey, you are so not alone!

George was a mess.

Trudging into the warmth of his apartment that night, he discovered a package had been delivered– a commission to write a sacred oratorio. He would have preferred writing another opera. That is, until he began to read the words he was asked to set to music… “He was despised and rejected of men;” “Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace;” and “I know that my Redeemer Liveth.”

As these words came alive with meaning and purpose, so did Handel.

He became consumed with writing and then jumping up and running to the harpsichord. At times he would stride up and down the room flailing the air with his arms and singing at the top of his lungs, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” the tears running down his cheeks.

People thought he was going mad. For 24 days he labored like a fiend with little rest or food. Then he fell on his bed exhausted, with his new score, “Messiah,” laying on his desk. At the very first performance of “Messiah,” the King and Queen attended and spontaneously stood in reverence when the “Hallelujah Chorus” began. That custom has continued to this day.

Handel never again succumbed to despair. Age sapped his vitality, he went blind, but his undaunted spirit remained to the last. “Until us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” became words that gave him new life.

And through his oratorio, George Frederich Handel lit a torch that still shines.

This Child whom we celebrate during Christmas has great power to rescue those at the end of their rope – “messes” like you and me. To offer a lifeline which restores purpose and passion to a discouraged soul. To anoint with power so that even the feeblest of humans can make a divine offering back to the Giver. Friend, this is nothing short of total transformation!

What will your “Messiah” be this Christmastide?

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

My Grandmother Secrest first told me this story at Christmas when I was a little girl. I never forgot it, nor her enthusiastic storytelling. What stories are you sharing with your grands (or others) this Christmas?

Every Blessing, Lucinda

“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”

©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell      www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com

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