Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, Hallelujah! (Revelation 19:6)

The best known element in the Messiah consists of three non-sequential verses from the Book of Revelation.

In chapter 18 the whore of Babylon has fallen in flames and plague. Many mourn. But the faithful of God give thanks.

The entire Messiah - nearly three hours - is seldom performed. The First Act is most often featured at Christmas; the Second and Third Acts at Easter. But whatever is sung, for whatever season, the Hallelujah Chorus is usually inserted.

For most the Hallelujah Chorus is probably thought to respond to the birth of Jesus. Instead, Handel and Jennens place it to proclaim his second coming.

We surely feel more secure celebrating the arrival the baby at Bethlehem than the judge and redeemer at Babylon.

You may listen to the Hallelujah Chorus sung by the Ambrosian Singers.