2022 Cantata to Give a Touch of The Messiah (12/18/22)

Posted by on Dec 10, 2022 in Choirs (Music), EventAnnouncement, Worship & Prayer | 1 comment

A long-held PUMC tradition is to hold a Candelighting Cantata on the Sunday before Christmas… always at 4:15 PM!  A shorter-held tradition is to present Handle’s Messiah as that cantata every five years.  It was last presented back in 2017, so we’re doing it again this year (2022).

Because of the pandemic, our choir (and other local choirs) haven’t yet geared up to full speed.  So this year’s presentation won’t be as elaborate as it was in 2017.  Instead of the entire “The Messiah”, we’re presenting “A Touch of The Messiah”.

 

A Touch of the Messiah…

The “vocal horsepower” of local choirs is a bit limited this year, so we’re presenting the most familiar parts of Handle’s work instead of the full-blown production that we’ve done in the past.

But the name “A Touch of the Messiah” is so appropriate!  It doesn’t only comment on the scale of a musical production, but the name also draws us into the depth of our Savior’s love.  May we all crave to be “touched” by Jesus this Christmas season.   Even a production with a full string orchestra and an 80-member choir is useless if it doesn’t inspire us to seek a “touch” from our Messiah.  During His earthly ministry, the physical touch of Jesus brought spiritual and physical healing, and He would love it if we could “touch” Him with our faith and service.

The Touch of Jesus…

The Bible records the stories of many hurting people whom Jesus touched and healed.  Here are a few examples (click on each tab to reveal the story, and then click on the link to read the Scripture reference)…

Mute Man  Mark 7:31-35     

A man couldn’t hear or speak.  Imagine the darkness this person must have felt, likely for his entire life.  But some friends brought him to Jesus, and Jesus reached out to touch his eyes and to put His finger on the man’s tongue.  Jesus’ touch gave this man speech and hearing.

Blind Man  John 9:1-7   

A young man had been born blind, but his condition was used to bring glory to God.  Jesus touched him: with saliva and mud.  The man could see, and he fearlessly went and told the world about the Light of the World who had healed him.

Dead Son  Luke 7:11-15     

A widow was grieving over the death of her son.  As the funeral processed through the streets, Jesus reached out and touched the dead son, simply by taping on his coffin.  The boy rose and miraculous healing was brought to that community.

Drowning Disciple Matthew 14:25-31    

Maybe confused and blurred by the sight of Jesus walking on the water, Peter wanted proof.  He answered Jesus’ call to step out on to the water. But as the danger of his surroundings came into view, his faith faded.  When we lose our faith, we sink.  But Jesus remains faithful.  His touch will save us from being pulled down by our own fears and doubts.

Dusty Disciples John 13:2-5   

When you travel in sandals, your feet get dirty.  When we walk through our worldly culture, we become “dirty” with sin.  We lose contact with God.  But Jesus reaches out to touch us with His forgiveness and “cleansing.”  Like our Lord, we too must reach out and humbly serve those who need the Savior’s touch. 

Jesus has risen into heaven and He’s no longer physically on earth.  But His presence remains.  It remains through the Holy Spirit and also through His Church (all who believe and obey).  Through faith, prayer, and honest desire, we too can be touched by the Messiah.

 

Touching Jesus…

Jesus reached out and touched many needy people.  But other people recognized their needs, reached out, and touched Jesus…

Sinful Woman Luke 7:37-38  

A “sinful” woman (likely a prostitute) found her way into a party thrown by the religious elite.  She needed forgiveness and she recognized who Jesus was.  Fearlessly, she bowed at Jesus’ feet to humble herself, and then she offered her tears (and probably even her life’s savings).  She did that to worship and thank the Lamb of God.  Her touch continues to serve as an example to us.

Bleeding Woman Luke 8:40-48    

Shunned by society because she was constantly “unclean,” a desperate woman reached out to touch Jesus.  She pushed through the crowded obstacles of this world’s values.  Her hunger and persistence drove her to touch the Savior, and she received complete healing and forgiveness. 

Doubting Disciple John 20:26-28   

Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus showed Himself several days earlier.  Thomas needed to touch Jesus, much like we need the assurance of a sturdy handrail when we walk in the dark.  Jesus was there; He let Thomas touch Him to receive that assurance.  Jesus is still here, waiting for our touch.

Grieving Disciple  John 20:15-18  

Mary couldn’t get enough of this Savior who had given her a new life.  She came to the tomb in tears but left in wonder.  She needed to touch Jesus, and when given the chance she couldn’t let go.  If only we could be so hungry to cling to our Savior in every moment of our lives!

Engaging the music of Handle’s Messiah will lead us to worship The Messiah.  Giving gifts, praying, and worshiping our God are all ways that we can reach out to touch God.  The Savior who wants to touch us is ready for us to touch Him.

 

Pre-Prayering for The Messiah

Leading into the 2017 cantata, we posted a series of articles giving the meaning behind each part of Handle’s Messiah (it was a 7-part series entitled “Countdown to The Messiah“).   This year, we have assembled a choir of nearly 40 voices.  Several of the solos will be presented, and the choir will sing five of the work’s seven Choruses.  To “Pre-Prayer” for the cantata, consider the context and meaning of these five choruses (click on the links to learn more, and keep in mind that these posts reference the 2017 cantata):

    1. “And the Glory” 

      G.F. Handel

    2. “O Thou That Tellest“
    3. “For Unto Us“
    4. “Glory to God”
    5. “Hallelujah Chorus“

 

 

 

The 2022 Touch

Is the annual cantata just a tradition?  Is it just a service of inspiring and entertaining music?  It’s easy to see it that way.  But it can also be an opportunity to feel the touch of our Risen Lord and Savior.  Take in the power of the music, but let your mind wander to the wonder of our majestic God.  Consider the God who created everything, loves us beyond measure, and would like nothing more than our touch of love for Him.  Let the light of the candles bring the Light of God into your hearts this Christmas.

 

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One Comment

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  1. Eileen Oczkowski
    December 19, 2022 at 12:21 am

    Tonight’s cantata was wonderful! I’m so glad my daughter could take me to be there in person ‼️

    Reply

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