THE HALLELUIAH CHORUS

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 And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Rev. 11:15 NKJV)

I was at a birthday celebration service of a lady who turned 70 last week. It was a joyful occasion which ended with a rendition of the Halleluiah Chorus presented by the choir the best way they knew to. Although some in the congregation stood up during the presentation, I did not as I nearly always do, perhaps due to the not too impressive manner of presentation, which again could be due to prejudice on my part.

The Halleluiah Chorus is an oratorio (musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a sacred story) composed by George Frederick Handel in 1741. Handel composed his masterpiece under divine inspiration (see the full album "MESSIAH"). It is reported that when his assistants brought him his meals during the period of composing this work, they were often left uneaten. They would often find him in tears as he composed. When he completed “Hallelujah,” he reportedly told his servant, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”

The texts for Hallelujah Chorus comes from the bible book of Revelation: “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (Rev.19:6); “And he hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" (Rev. 19:16); “And He shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev.11:15). The Spirit-inspired Chorus is not only musically enthralling, it is worshipful! 

Standing during the presentation of Halleluiah Chorus is a tradition said to have begun in 1743, when King George II rose from his seat, enthralled by the beauty of the music. Not wanting to offend the king, the audience also stood – or so the story goes. One writer says, "I think that’s good, because people are yearning to do things together, to celebrate things together. So if standing during the Hallelujah Chorus offers you that experience, (or moves the Spirit in you), go for it.’’ For me, it does!

 Hallelujah Chorus -From the Album "Messiah" by George Frederick Handel.

©OO-I.
Olusegun Ojosipe-Isaac


MIRIAM (From Grass To Grace)


MIRIAM is a transformation account. It is the story of the refinement of a plain village girl from a raw to high quality, from crude to top grade purity.




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