One of my favorite Christmas events is the performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Although I almost wore out my cassette tape version of the “Messiah” listening to it in my teens, hearing it again live, in the midst of soaring ceilings and impressive stone carvings, never fails to disappoint.

This year’s performance was extra special, as it was three years since I’d heard it last, a thing called COVID having gotten in the way in 2020 and 2021. And as I settled in my seat, I couldn’t help but grin over the fact that I was actually there, listening to the concert, for just one year before, I was thinking sadly to myself that I would never be able to attend the Messiah again.

The reason was not despair over the fact that COVID would never end. Instead, it was the realization that mandates were closing in, making those of us who questioned the wisdom of the vaccine—and the legitimacy of forcing it on unwilling individuals—second-class citizens, unable to go to restaurants and concerts, with more venues and stores promising to bar admission in the near future.

Now, just one year later, that heavy yoke of government overreach and control is lifted in many areas. But just because it’s gone doesn’t mean it won’t return. In fact, it’s very likely we’ll be experiencing more of that heavy hand of government down the pike, “walk[ing] in darkness” and dwell[ing] in the land of the shadow of death” to quote an air from the “Messiah.”

But that darkness, that shadow, is dispelled by the coming of the Child which Handel’s famous Christmas chorus speaks about.

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 God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

His rule and reign is one marked by peace and delight and rest, not the sadness and oppression we have experienced through our government in recent years. As another selection of the Messiah goes on to tell us:

Come unto Him, all ye that labor, that are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him; for he is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

While I certainly didn’t love the last few years with their diminished freedoms and oppressive government overreach, having experienced them enables me to look at the “Messiah” with a different perspective. They make me appreciate the promise that Jesus, the Messiah, the Babe born in a manger in Bethlehem, came to give this dark, sin-sick world. A promise that he will one day rule the world with truth and grace, not lies, darkness, and oppression.

And that promise is one in which those who know Him should each rejoice, joining the throngs in a glad chorus of Hallelujahs.

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This article was originally published at Annie’s Substack. You can subscribe here.

Image credit: Domchor St. Patrokli Soest

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