Living Life by Design

This remarkable event took place 12 years ago and (now) over 55 million people have watched the youtube clip of unsuspecting shoppers getting the surprise of their life while eating lunch. A young woman, seemingly enjoying her lunch in a food court, stands up, appears to be on her mobile phone, and begins singing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. All around her, over 100 (clearly prearranged) opera singers stand one by one and join in. Seeing the young boy stand on his chair and take his mothers hand brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure Arby’s and ‘Orange Chicken’ in the background we’re joining in the chorus as well. Here’s the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE 

The song ‘Messiah’ is George Frederick Handel’s most famous work, and tells the story of Jesus – the Messiah. Part Two of the song is about his death on the cross, his resurrection and his ascension into heaven. It ends with the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.

In the spring of 1742, King George II rose to his feet as the first notes of the triumphant ‘Hallelujah’ chorus rang out. Royal protocol has always demanded that, whenever the monarch stands, so too does everyone in the monarch’s presence. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood. King George II had accepted that he too was subject to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

The word ‘Hallelujah’ is an invitation to worship – it literally means ‘Praise (Hallal) the Lord’ (Yahweh). It occurs twenty-four times in the Old Testament (mainly in the Psalms) and it occurs four times in the New Testament. 

As we prepare for Christmas, allow the world to see the ‘Hallelujah’ in everything you do…