The Hallelujah Chorus Stands Strong

    Why are there certain traditions? Who starts the traditions? Is there a reason they are still continued today? To end the Christmas season, let's take a look at one of the longest running Christmas traditions still standing to date.

    George Frederic Handle received an invitation from the Lord Lieutenant of Dublin in 1741 to write a new oratorio for a Charity. The money proceeds went to Mercer's Hospital, the Charitable Infirmary, and the Prisoners' Debt Relief.

    It was recorded around 700 people came to hear Handel's Messiah. It was a big event that they asked women not to wear hooped skirts and for the men not to have their swords. Most of the guest honored the request, including King George II. It was claimed that during the Hallelujah Chorus that the King stood up for the performance.

    But, what made the crowd stand?.... According to tradition, whenever a king or queen stood, it was expected of everyone else in the room to stand. They could not sit until the royal person sat first. To this day, people still honor King George II and Handel by standing today.

   As Christmas has come by this year and has already left, what will remain in your heart? Was there a Christmas tradition that stuck out to you? Was there something that you have wonder about? I wonder if my actions will bring a tradition that people will respect 200 years from now? Or if I will destroy one? People stood in honor of king, what will they do about my actions?... Probably nothing for I am not important; but something I do might stand out to a single person who could change the world. I base my decisions after my Messiah. For He is the one the king stood for and people continue to stand today. Who or what will you stand for?.....

"For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given:
and the government shall be upon His shoulder:
and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty Go
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace."