For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

When I was in high school our chorus director had us sing Handel’s Messiah every Christmas. He brought in professional opera singers to perform all the solos and we sang the rest. The performances took over two hours. I had never been exposed to the music which is so heavily laden with Scripture.

After becoming a believer in Christ, these performances were to me a worship service to God for the incarnation of Christ. I am so thankful God sent his Son – I’m also thankful he blessed so many with the gift of putting his words to music.

Won’t you come to the Father through his word and music this morning as we countdown 22 days to Christmas? I recommend you listen to Handel’s Messiah as you decorate, write Christmas cards, or bake cookies this season.

Comfort, comfort my people,
    says your God.
² Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,

You who bring good news to Zion,
    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,
    “Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:1-2, 9 NIV