2018-12-21 · 03:03
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Second Stringers

To no one’s surprise, for this entire advent season, joy shot from Scriptures for me, but like never before. Okay, maybe I noticed them before, but this year they felt like a whole new ball game. Maybe it’s just me…

Rarely comfortable as a starter, I’m a strong second stringer.  So is it any surprise less popular verses struck me so strong?

Thanks to Handel some identify a line or two of these verses with Christmas (and Easter). Me too.

But this year the preceding and following lines sacked me daily as I read and read again.

I hope these snippets continue sparking everywhere all year around:

“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress… The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

“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.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. …”

Isaiah 9:1 & 2, 6 & 7 (NIV)

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16, 17 (NIV)

Peace, people.

 

Featured Image courtesy TheWay.com

Header image courtesy Pixabay

15 Comments

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15 responses to “Second Stringers”

  1. Anne Mehrling
    2018-12-21 at 10:47

    I’ve had scripture pop out at me, too. I try to concentrate on all the readings at church, and often one facet of the Christmas story will sparkle toward me. It’s a story that is always fresh and new, no matter how many times you read or hear it.

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  2. seekingdivineperspective
    2018-12-21 at 10:39

    I was just playing this piece this morning. Love it! The “Wonderful Counselor” part is especially meaningful to me.
    “Vision,” the second book in my trilogy, contains a Christmas story set against the backdrop of Handel’s Messiah. The choir director is hit by a drunk driver, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will live to realize his dream of directing Messiah on Christmas Eve. I’ve been meaning to publish that part of the book as a Christmas story, “Mr. Walker’s Miracle.” (The “miracle” is not what everyone expects…) You may have just given me the motivation to do that… Thank you!

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  3. Mary Phillips
    2018-12-21 at 10:38

    So miss doing the Messiah. When we lived in Montrose, the orchestra I was in (I was principal Horn), performed the Messiah every other year with a local community choir that always impressed me with their talent. My friend Susan, who is now singing with the angels, would often join the choir. There’s lots of great memories in rehearsals and performances. I don’t miss the winters there, but I do miss that shared joy. And I miss sweet Susan.

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    • CJ Hartwell
      2018-12-21 at 17:43

      My first time singing the Messiah was in a small college town in Iowa – the director was fabulous and really taught us the music, as well as its history. I still think of that as one of the best choral experiences of my life.

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      • grAnnie Roo
        2018-12-23 at 19:53

        💚❤💚 My last time was to join a mass choir as part of The Valley Cathedral performing Young Messiah. Michael W. Smith’s appearance paled in the spirit of all those different churches gathered for one common cause. {{{Shiver}}} Merry Christmas, my friend ❤💚❤

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        • Mary Phillips
          2018-12-28 at 12:31

          I gained new respect for singers when I got up in front of church one year and tried to follow the alto part for a sing along of Hallelujah. I thought of myself as a competent musician until then. This is why I play French Horn.

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  4. pick1solution
    2018-12-21 at 06:27

    Nice piece. In the game is where you just get up and set up for another. A new way to perceive without commitment. Have a wonderful Christmas and much prosperity for the coming year.

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  5. joyroses13
    2018-12-21 at 04:14

    Thank you for sharing! The Handle’s Messiah is alwsys moving and I love how there are times when certain scriptures just jump out at us. Comforting words! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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