MESSIAH Part OneSample

From Handel’s Messiah -

13. Pifa, “Pastoral Symphony”

14a. Recitative

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Luke 2: 8

14b. Accompagnato

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

15. Recitative

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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2: 10-11

Devotion: Angels were heralds of the newborn Savior, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock. We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it. Let God have the honor of this work; Glory to God in the highest.

God’s goodwill to men, manifested in sending the MESSIAH, redounds to his praise. God’s goodwill in sending the MESSIAH brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ’s taking our nature upon him.

Text from the 1706 Bible Commentary by Matthew Henry, public domain.