Some concepts and phrases adapted from The Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader by Donna W. Payne and Fran Lenzo (Moody Press, Chicago: 1999); out of print.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 5:12,9,13
(as arranged by Charles Jennens for Handel’s Messiah)
When I was a junior in high school, my friends and I somehow got ourselves from our homes in New Jersey to the 1964/65 World’s Fair on the outskirts of New York City. That trip was a big deal for all of us. The highlight was viewing Michelangelo’s Pietá (a statue of Mary holding the crucified Jesus). Its presence at the fair, on loan from the Vatican, was big news even for school kids. I still remember the thrill of waiting in a long line, and finally having a few moments to view this stunning work of art
It might seem strange that I have begun this Advent meditation with a scriptural reference to the crucifixion – “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” – and an artistic reference to Mary cradling a dead Christ, rather than baby Jesus. Yet, of course, Christ’s birth and death are one unified story.
This story begins and ends in sacrifice: The mighty God was born a helpless baby and died a bloody, shameful death.
This story begins and ends in glory: Christ’s birth was attended by trumpeting angels, a miraculous star, and questing magi. His death destroyed death and secured eternal life for all who claim Him as Lord.
This story is the puzzle of puzzles, the miracle of miracles. In its truth we rest all our hopes. God became flesh and lived among us. He sympathizes with our weaknesses because He lived as we live. He is our Creator, our Savior, our Comforter. Baby Jesus, Mary’s child, is named Emmanuel, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
The God of the universe was born a human baby. G.K. Chesterton suggested the wonder of this truth with these words: “The hands that had made the sun and stars were too small to reach the huge heads of the cattle.” So, wrote Chesterton, “Bethlehem is emphatically a place where extremes meet.”
Extremes met at Bethlehem. They also met at Calvary. The One who could have called ten thousand angels to His side was beaten, mocked, spit on, and crucified. In that day, He secured an inestimable treasure for us. “The punishment that brought us peace” was put on Him. (Isaiah 53:5)
Advent and Lent. Christmas and Easter. These hold the essential and literal truths of Christianity.
Jesus was born in a shelter for animals. He was hated by many during his lifetime. He died a criminal’s death. Jesus lived from crib to cross. For us.
God bless you!
Donna
