HALLELUJAH!

Last Sunday I drove by myself to Annapolis to see Messiah with Josh at USNA.

We took the whole family two years ago, and by the time it was over a couple of the kids were semi-suicidal. So this year I saved a hundred bucks and decided to enjoy the two hour long Christmas tradition with my eldest (and most long suffering). 

I asked Josh to try to get tickets in the balcony. We were purchasing them late, and I figured those would be the best seats left. My heart sunk when he texted and said the balcony was sold out. But then I read the rest of his message.

SCORE!

We arrived and found our seats, which were even a row ahead of the Superintendent of the Naval Academy!

The orchestra was just about five feet in front of us.

We could see the entire choir AND their faces. Josh could even pick out some of his friends.

I love the Naval Academy Chapel. The beauty is inspiring. 

The architecture.

The Tiffany windows.

Beautiful cathedrals, chapels, and churches beckon my soul to soar.

And so do words. Put meaningful words to music, and I am in Heaven.

The music started. It was just the orchestra warming up.

But I could feel it. Literally.


Handel’s Messiah begins the story of Christmas with the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. It continues through Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and triumphant entry into Heaven.

It is long.

Repetitive.

And amazing.

Even as my back burned from the hard, straight backed, wooden pews (a feature of old churches I don’t miss), I anticipated the chorus.

HALLELUJAH!

The audience rose.

An my heart soared.

The glory of the these words . . 

HALLELUJAH! 
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 
The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; 
and He shall reign forever and ever. 
King of Kings, 
and Lord of Lords, 
Hallelujah!

The pipe organs bellowed, and I could feel the vibrations.
As I stood there, I had one resounding thought . . 
I know this God. He meets with me in the mornings in my sunroom. We talk when I am driving my car. All the benevolent, wonderful, and gracious promises He’s made are to me. He even knows how many hairs are on my head.
What love.
This morning I am in that sunroom again. I got here early, before the sun.
The busyness of the season leaves me a little numb. I woke up planning to read and pray, but instead I just sit and stare.
At the mountains. They’re glowing reddish pink anticipating the the day.
I decide to forego reading and watch the sunrise.
I wait.
The sky keeps changing. Clouds appearing. Pink turns to gold. 
I wait still. I didn’t realize it took so long for the sun to appear. But as I wait, my anticipation increases.
A tiny glow appears. Grows. Before ten seconds have passed, I can’t look straight on.

As the sun rises, my heart soars.

HALLELUJAH!
I feel the glory of the sun on my face, close my eyes, and have this one thought . . 
I know the God of this glory.

What. Love.

4 Comments

  1. Nana Varee Juarbe
    Nana Varee Juarbe on December 6, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Reading this brought me to joyful tears — because — I know this God, too — and one day we will rule and reign with Hin. He is AWESOME!

    • kimhyland
      kimhyland on December 6, 2012 at 5:55 pm

      Yes, He is, Mom! Thank you for living a life that pointed me to Him. XO

  2. Jeanne
    Jeanne on December 6, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    I have participated in Handel's Messiah, but not of this magnitude. I love its message, the long story, the anticipation, the waiting, and then the glorious Hallelujah Chorus! Yes, I know this God, too. It is always hard to contain myself when I hear that chorus.

    Thanks for giving me a taste of the season. I am so busy right now with the new house that I have to remind myself it's Christmas. This blog was a good beginning.

    God's blessings on you, Kim!

    Jeanne

    • kimhyland
      kimhyland on December 6, 2012 at 5:56 pm

      You're welcome, Jeanne. I'm so glad my post reminded you 🙂

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