Christmas Is Not Truly Over

A Blessed Friday after Christmas to all!  The joy of Christmas remains in our hearts, even if our trees are beginning to droop, the poinsettia leaves are beginning to fall, and the decorations seem like they are multiplying as you think about putting them away for another year.  Like many things done in anticipation and excitement, decorating always seems much more fun than un-decorating.  I suppose this is a good time to remind us all that Christmas didn't come in the boxes we brought up from the basement, nor will it be swept out with the wreaths and trees that will soon sit on the curb.  The coming of the Christ Child isn't a seasonal celebration.  Certain aspects of the story may speak to us at certain times of the years, but the story is timeless...God coming to dwell among us...in every season, every day, every hour..

 

Throughout the Advent season, we shared in wonderful worship and ministry experiences at Westwood that I believe honored the Lord and helped us share the joy of Christ with one another and the community around us.  The events of the month were too many to list here, but suffice it to say, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in many wonderful ways.  Now, the celebration continues for the gift of God continues to bring blessing.  Join us this Sunday as we share in a service of worship and praise.  In these days after Christmas, as family may be visiting from out of town, schedules may be a bit more relaxed, and pressures a bit eased, our worship this Sunday will be a little less formal. Dress comfortably, perhaps in that new sweater or pair of jeans you got for Christmas, and come to share in a service where we will have a favorite carol time in which you will choose the carols, a community 50 Sundays at Westwood time when the congregation will share reflections about favorite memories at Westwood, and special music will be provided as Olga and Cindy continue their keyboard duets, and a men's quartet will be singing, "The Birthday of a King.".  If you have family or friends visiting, bring them along as together we continue the celebration.

 

So when you are on that ladder taking down outside lights, vacuuming up the million or so fallen pine needles that have now taken up residence in your carpet, trying to delicately wrap the strands of tree lights so they won`t be tangled next year (and they always are!), or finishing the last of the Christmas cookies, remember, Christmas is not truly over.  It goes on and on and on every day that you remember and celebrate that God has come in human form to be one of us and to save us from our sin.  "For to us a child is born! To us, a Son is given."  

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 25

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

(Matthew 11:28-29)

The soprano soloist brings this first section that is often referred to as the “Christmas portion of Messiah” to a close.  The words of Jesus are reminders to us on a cold winter’s day, amidst the discarded wrapping paper, opened gifts, and for some, the silence of an empty house, that our weariness and burdens are known to God.  The baby of Bethlehem is proof of God’s love and willingness to become one of us, to help carry the burdens that often weigh so heavily on us. With that in mind the chorus now closes by affirming that “His yoke is easy and his burden is light.”

As I write this, I cannot know what Christmas Day will bring for you or for our world.  But I do know that in the coming Christ, we have a refuge, a strength, a place of rest in the midst of whatever we face.  Therefore, with Handel as he notated the final copy of his great work, “SDG”…Soli Deo Gloria; To God alone the Glory. Amen.

A Blessed Christmas to You,

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 24

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

(Isaiah 40:11)

The beautiful alto aria based on this text is one of my favorite pieces in the oratorio.  In the aftermath of joyful angelic chorus, this quiet aria calls the listener to reflection.  Bullard says of this aria, “It is a warm, enfolding song, with lines descending like the shepherd stooping to pick up a lamb.  This is the music of the kind and compassionate Jesus.” 

On Christmas Eve, our thoughts turn to the scene of a simple manger, the tender place of love shared between parents and newborn.  Here we see God loving the world, you and me, so much, that like a shepherd, God bends down from heaven to take us in His arms.  Allow the Shepherd to gently lead you throughout this day in his kind and compassionate ways.

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, lead our steps this day as we come near to Bethlehem.  In the security of your arms, may we find anew the Savior of the World. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 23

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.”

(Isaiah 35:5-6)

As section one of Messiah comes to a close, the libretto returns to the prophet Isaiah.  Here, the prophet speaks of the works of the One who will come…opening blind eyes, unstopping deaf ears, restoring strength to weakened limbs and voice to silent tongues.  The hope of promises made will give way to fulfillment in the person of Jesus, the Christ. 

You and I live today as people of promise, recognizing through the record of God’s written and living Word, that God is ever faithful.  Let us open our eyes and ears, leap to our feet and sing the songs of this season which proclaim the greatness of our God!

Prayer: Eternal God, may everything that has breath give thanks and praise to you! Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 20

 What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God! To announce

your love each daybreak, sing your faithful presence all through the night, Accompanied by dulcimer and harp, the full-bodied music of string.

(Psalm 92:1-3, Message)

We depart from the libretto of Messiah today, but not far from its message.  In preparing to teach the seminar this fall based on Roger Bullard’s book, “Messiah: The Gospel According to Handel’s Oratorio,” I listened to several different performances of the work.  I even listened to some individual expressions of the orchestral score.  Two instances stood out to me, one of a man playing the pastoral symphony from Messiah on a quenacho, a small flute-like instrument made of bamboo from Guatemala.  Perhaps the most interesting one, however, featured the same young man playing the musical theme on a piece of PVC pipe he had altered to be played like a flute.  It actually sounded pretty good.

You see, we all offer praise to God in our own unique ways.  For Handel, it was communicated in the scores of an oratorio, but for you and me, something different.  Whatever instrument you choose, give glory to God today.

Prayer: Hear our words, receive our gifts of praise in whatever form they come this day, Lord.  May they be offered from hearts of gratitude and joy. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 19

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee…he shall speak peace unto the heathen.”

(Zechariah 9:9a, 10b)

The celebration continues as the soprano soloist calls the nation to rejoice.  The peace of God will be offered to all persons.  Jonathan Kandell, writing in an article on Handel’s great work in Smithsonian Magazine says, “a sense of humanity imbues Handel’s music. Nowhere,” he writes, “is this more apparent than in Messiah.” Handel was keenly aware of the human need around him, often donating the proceeds from Messiah performances to a variety of charities, from hospitals to freeing those held in debtor’s prisons.

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation.  Let us not lose sight in this season of celebration of humanity all around us.  The peace of Christ is for all persons.

Prayer: We rejoice, O God, in the good news of One who has come for all.  May we share that joy wherever we go today.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 18

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

(Luke 2:13-14)

 

The angel (soprano) concludes the message of good news for all people and suddenly the heavenly host (chorus) joins the song, proclaiming “Glory to God!”  “After the announcement is made,” Roger Bullard writes, “we must immediately hear heaven and earth resounding with the good tidings.”

 

Handel initially wrote Messiah with a small choral presence in mind.  Thirty two singers plus soloists sang in its debut in Dublin, Ireland in 1742.  Over the years that chorus has expanded, in some cases to hundreds of voices in some public performances.  Indeed, the angel’s news calls any who will to join the chorus…yes, even you!

 

Prayer: With the angels we join in the chorus, Glory to God!  Thank you Lord for such wonderful news! Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 17

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

(Luke 2:10-11)

 

The soprano continues to proclaim the angel’s good news. Again, Bullard writes, “..the music shimmers and rustles with the dazzling light of God’s glory and the whirring wings of angels, as we hear of the appearance of the angel and the shepherd’s fear…the world must listen, silent and be breathless to the news.”

 

The great gift of God is being given…be still, and listen.

 

Prayer:  Silently we listen, and wait, breathless to the news that God has come to dwell among us.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 16

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

(Luke 2:9)

 

Unanticipated glory sometimes brings about fear.  Confronted by the awesome wonder of God’s creation when gazing across the Grand Canyon, or looking out over the seemingly unending horizon across the ocean’s waters, or simply looking into the face of a newborn baby and feeling his or her curling fingers around your own, leaves one awestruck.

 

The glory of the Lord is all around the shepherds and they are in awe…afraid. The wonder of God’s good news at Christmas is awesome news indeed.

 

Prayer: We are in awe, O God, as your glory is on display once more in Bethlehem’s story. Glory to God!

 

Jim Abernathy

Don't Be Afraid!

Are you having a paraskevidekatriaphobic moment today?  Perhaps you are immune to such things, but there are some among us whose superstitions sometimes get the best of them...of us.  Now most of us would not say we are superstitious, but there are some things in the back of our minds we can't explain that do make us wonder from time to time.  If you suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia, you have a fear of a particular day and date on the calendar, Friday the 13th.  Perhaps you have been too busy to notice today, but this is Friday, December 13th!  I hadn't really thought about it until I sat down to write these words. I can't say that I have put much stock in such fears over the years...there are enough things to worry about without the infrequent occurrence of Friday, the 13th. Here's a fun fact for you from the cyber source of all knowledge, Wikipedia. "Every year has at least 1 and at most 3 Fridays the 13th, with 688 occurrences during each 400-year Gregorian cycle."  One other bit of good news...there is only one Friday the 13th in 2014, June 13.

 

There was a great deal of superstition in the ancient world.  Perhaps it was a lack of education, a limited understanding of the patterns of nature, or misplaced religious fervor.  Religion is often mentioned in the context of superstition.  There are certainly some today who would equate any allegiance to or practice of religious faith with superstition.  Faith, however, is not simply fear of the unknown, nor is to be used as a charm against the uncertain, unexplainable experiences of life.  Yes, faith values the unseen, but in the context of Christianity, it finds its greatest expression in the birth of a child, Jesus, the Christ...the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. 

 

Luke tells us that the shepherds were filled with fear in the unexplainable sights and sounds on that first Christmas night in the fields outside Bethlehem.  The angels came to them not to frighten, but to bring joyous news. "Don’t be afraid!" the angel said. "I have good news for you."  To a people mired in fear and doubt, the message was powerful... "a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ, the Lord."  The shepherds fears were ultimately overcome when they came into the presence of the child.  The last mention of the shepherds on that night is of them leaving the child, not in fear, but praising God with every step. 

 

In a world where fear often grips with the turn of a calendar page, the ring of the phone in the middle of the night, or the threats of violence and unrest that play out before us nearly every day, it is good to visit once more the manger scene and recognize the depth of God's love in that precious gift of Christmas. Having done so, we too, like the shepherds, can then go out into the world and praise the Lord...even on Friday the 13th. 

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 13

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

(Luke 2:8)

 

The anticipation of the prophetic word gives way to fulfillment as the soprano soloist begins the story of wonder in a very unexpected place…the darkness of a Judean hillside, just outside Bethlehem.  Not only is this an unexpected place, but even more so, the good news of the Savior’s birth will be told to a surprising group, the shepherds.  These are men, simply doing the mundane tasks of everyday life. This is the wonder of the gospel message; not something for just a few…someone given for all!

 

Prayer: May we be grateful, Lord, that the message of Christmas is a message for all. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

Make plans to be present Sunday morning at 11 a.m. at Westwood as the Sanctuary Choir with orchestra presents Handel's Messiah.  Invite someone to join you for this special presentation!

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 12

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

 

The chorus follows the bass solo with the glorious news of the coming birth. Though fulfillment was still hundreds of years away, the promise and the subsequent hope was, for an exiled people, the “solid footing,’ Bullard cited in yesterday’s devotion.

 

Nineteenth century hymnist, Edward Mote, speaks of this solid footing as he writes in the chorus of his great hymn, “The Solid Rock,” “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.” Take courage dear friends and step lively into this good day!

 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for the firm footing of faith through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 11

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
(Isaiah 9:2)

Roger Bullard’s commentary on this text, sung by the bass soloist, highlights the dichotomy between darkness and light.  He writes, “The music is painful; it gropes. It moves hesitantly, like one reaching about in the darkness. But all this ends with solid footing finally found: ‘upon them hath the light shined.’” 

Jesus described himself and those who would follow him as the light of the world.  Darkness is defeated!

Prayer: Help us Lord to step out of the darkness into the glorious light of Christ. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 10

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come,

and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”

(Isaiah 60:1)

 

Famed eighteenth century composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, revered the work of Handel, particularly “Messiah.”  In 1789 he was asked to re-orchestrate Handel’s great work, doing so as a complement to the man whose music he said, “strikes like a thunderbolt.”

 

Indeed, the light of Christ strikes the darkness like a thunderbolt.  Glory to God!

 

Prayer: Light of the World, shine in and through us this day. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 9

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear

 a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14)

 

In the aftermath of judgment, there is hope as the alto soloist sings these great words from the prophet.  Gospel writer Matthew cites Isaiah 7:14, then translates the term Immanuel…”God with us.”  Presence is a vital aspect of relationship.  This is the wonderful news of Christmas…God has come to be with us. 

 

Prayer: Present God, in your nearness, may we find strength for today. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 6

“But who may abide the day of his coming? And who

 shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire,”

(Malachi 3:2)

Few if any of us appreciate the significance of judgment unless it is meted out to someone else we think deserving. The inclusion of this text from Malachi as sung by the bass soloist, reminds the listener that there is an accountability, an expectation of God’s human creation. Roger Bullard writes, “Any age…that thinks the God of justice is absent has a surprise in store—the terrifying prospect of his appearance.  Yet, his coming in judgment is not annihilating, but refining.” 

Prayer:  Eternal God, may your refining work, cleanse and renew our hearts today.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 5

“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh

shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

(Isaiah 40:5)

There is that moment of wonder that often comes when something so eagerly anticipated is suddenly realized.  The tenor’s words of encouragement give way to the chorus’s entrance to the oratorio as they proclaim the glorious news of Isaiah 40:5.  Here, the good news is that God’s promise will be fulfilled.  The anticipation of Advent will give way to the realization of the Christ Child’s birth.

Prayer: Faithful God, in this season of anticipation, may the joy of the coming Christ be revealed in us.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 4

“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain

and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall

become level, and the rough places a plain.”

(Isaiah 40:4)

Roger Bullard, in his book, Messiah: The Gospel According to Handel’s Oratorio, speaks of the power of these opening words from Isaiah, sung by the tenor soloist. Bullard writes, “Herein is the hope: God will yet act.” That news bears repeating again and again and again…

Prayer: Lord, as we walk on uneven, rough places today, may your Spirit lift us up, for you will yet act.” Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional…Handel’s Messiah, December 3

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid, that she has received

from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”

(Isaiah 40:2)

In the Dublin premiere of Handel’s Messiah in 1742, one of the female soloists, known to have lived a rather colorful life, reportedly sang so beautifully that a local clergyman stood to his feet and cried out, “Woman, for this be all thy sins forgiven thee!”

The Christ Child’s coming reminds us that the penalty for sin has been paid. Glory to God!

Prayer: Let us hear again and again O God, these words of blessing…“your penalty is paid.”  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional...Handel’s Messiah, December 2

“‘Comfort, O comfort my people,’ says your God.”

(Isaiah 40:1)

The opening tenor recitative of Handel’s treasure, Messiah, is taken from Isaiah 40 and sets the tone for a story of redemption that offers eternal hope. There is comfort to be found as the Word becomes flesh, and dwells among us. Take comfort, dear friends; that’s the good news of Advent.

Prayer: May we find comfort as we meet you, O God, all along this Advent journey. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotionals

Dear Friends,

The Advent season begins today and with it, our hopes and dreams for this season.  No, I’m not talking about your Christmas list of things you want and things you have to do.  I’m talking about the wonder of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us.  Advent is a time of preparation that leads us to Bethlehem and the unmatched story of God’s love and grace displayed in the birth of a baby.

Our celebration at Westwood this year will include the sanctuary choir’s performance of George Frederick Handel’s timeless oratorio, Messiah, Sunday, December 15 at 11 a.m.  In preparation for this performance, I taught a Church Family Night Seminar based on Roger Bullard’s book, “Messiah: The Gospel According to Handel’s Oratorio.”  In conjunction with these observances, I have chosen to base the Advent Devotionals this year on the texts of Handel’s Messiah, with some description of the music, stories, and life of Handel. Whether or not you have an appreciation for this great oratorio, my prayer is that these brief daily devotionals will help you, through this season of preparation, to celebrate the wonder of God’s love in the birth of Bethlehem’s baby.

The format for this series of devotionals will be Monday through Friday, beginning December 2 and concluding on Christmas Day.  For those receiving these devotionals by email, I will send a new offering every night, Sunday through Thursday, in preparation for the next day.

Handel wrote Messiah in just 24 days.  His musical genius, along with the libretto Charles Jennens adapted from scripture, have left us a powerful story of God’s great love at work in the promise and fulfillment of the One whose coming has truly changed the world.  May God guide our thoughts as together we share in this Advent celebration of Messiah.

With Great Anticipation,

Jim Abernathy