Power Points
December 12, 2010
"Hallelujah!"
Have you seen the YouTube recordings of various choral groups planting themselves in department stores and food courts and bursting into singing the "Hallelujah Chorus!"? Sometimes it is billed as a "Random act of culture." Other times just a holiday surprise and blessing amid the hustle and bustle of shopping. I look at it as a reminder of the real message and meaning of Christmas. I like Handel's Messiah anyway and especially the powerful chorus that comes right out of the book of Revelation, word for word: "And He shall reign forever and forever…King of Kings and Lord of Lords…Hallelujah!"
I was thrilled as I watched these incidents recorded on YouTube, not only because I like the music, but the message is declaring the Lordship of Christ in a secular setting! Christ is not only Lord in the church or in our hearts and homes, but Christ is Lord of all and everywhere and for all time! He has dominion over all governments, all shopping centers, all of creation! How exciting to celebrate our Lord and King! His kingdom begins here and now in our hearts and lives, but one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
If you are like me, you love the music of Christmas, especially the carols that celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our choir has prepared a great musical that celebrates the real meaning of Christmas and message of personal salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is our Rock and Redeemer, a light to the nations, and we are to share the good news with others! One way to do that, in a very inspiring way is to invite your family and friends to attend the Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 19th at 11 a.m.
I told the congregation last Sunday about my Dad reciting the 23rd psalm every night as he lies in bed. I overheard him through the bedroom door one night that I was visiting and when he finished saying, "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever," he added, "Hallelujah!" They weren't just words to him, they gave him hope and assurance!
May our celebration of Christmas bring a "Hallelujah" to our hearts! And when we come to the close of our lives, as well as each day along the way, may we be able to say a heartfelt "Hallelujah!" "He shall reign forever and ever," and we shall share in the glory of His kingdom! Amen!
A "Hallelujah Christmas" to you and yours!