The Messiah | A Satisfied Spirit

If we take the time to use “eyes to see and ears to hear” (Matthew 13:16) we can find the Spirit of Christmas in a lot of things and events.

While creating a devotional based on the symbolism in the Candy Cane, I was struck by the choruses in The Messiah that match the symbolism of the Candy Cane.

As the story goes an Indiana candy maker wanted to create a candy that would be his occupational witness. He wanted the birth, ministry, and death of Christ to be easily discernible. So…

He used pure white candy to symbolize the purity, the sinlessness of Jesus. In the Messiah the chorus – “And He Shall Purify” (Malachi 3:3) reminds us that our offerings to the Lord are to be righteous, without sin.

The J shape represents the Name. Isaiah 9:6 and the words of the chorus “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” resound with the names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When turned upside down the J becomes a staff. The shepherd’s staff was crooked so the sheep that had fallen could be rescued. Isaiah 53:6, and the matching chorus “All We Like Sheep”, helps us remember that we are just like sheep. We go our own way, every one of us, but we can be rescued.

The stripes are symbolism of the beating He took so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 says “And with His stripes we are healed”. His blood was shed for our sins, hence, the red coloring.

As we celebrate this season let us remember the reason for the season is all around us. HE is everywhere. Look and listen.

Ah Lord God, bless us with the ability to see You in the trappings of this season. Remind us that You are the greatest gift giver of all. Help us experience the Reason in all we do. You are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. Let Your Glory be seen in us. Let Your Light shine through us. You alone are worthy! Grant these petitions in the Name of Jesus.

Revised and edited from original post. December 22, 2011

It’s our first Thematic Thursday and I’m so excited about getting this started. So, here we go…

I majored in Music Education and Performance in College. It was an awesome time of life for me. I spent every day immersed in music…practise, classes, harmony, theory, history, composition, conducting, musicals, opera…

In music, a theme is the melodic phrase that a composition is based on. It is often repeated throughout the piece. A theme can also be the idea behind a set of compositions.

It’s Advent and were going to look at that theme and some of the music associated with the concept. What is Advent? It is celebrated in many churches during the four weeks before the Holy Birth. The word itself means the arrival of a person, thing, or event. It is a double entendre in that it refers not just to the actual birth of Jesus but His return to Earth. Music is a huge part of this celebration and has been for hundreds of years as Christians around the world look forward to His coming.

My favorite of all Advent Hymns is Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Charles Wesley wrote this piece and as is often true of his hymns a scripture reference can be found in nearly every phrase.

Christmas/Advent music would not be complete without The Messiah. My heart jumps for joy when I hear the opening notes and I am transported as I listen to not just the beauty of the music but the heart and soul within it. This rendition is more contemporary in nature, in fact, a lot more. I love the joy I see in the faces of the singers (First Call).

There are many more songs of Advent than these. Take the time to listen to some great music during this season.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie