The reason they're stuck in my head? Maybe you've seen it already, or maybe you've seen the links to it on Facebook, but this is why...
Watching that video brought tears to my eyes, gave me chills, and just made me happy. I like seeing some people's reactions at the beginning (which was maybe confusion, annoyance, shock) change by the end (smiling faces, happiness, appreciation). I was also happy that this group chose to sing this song. It's so easy for us to forget what Christmas is about - in our house, we try to strike a balance between Santa and the birth of Christ, but it does get hard given the culture we live in.
Anyways, the nerd in me came out when I heard this song, so I looked some stuff up on Wikipedia, and I thought this part was interesting:
The most famous movement is the "Hallelujah" chorus, which concludes the second of the three parts. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)
In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. The tradition is said to have originated with the first London performance of Messiah, which was attended by King George II. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose to his feet and remained standing until the end of the chorus. Royal protocol has always dictated that when the monarch stands, everyone in his (or her) presence is also required to stand. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood when the king stood during the performance, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries.[11] It is lost to history the exact reason why the King stood at that point, but the most popular explanations include:
*He was so moved by the performance that he rose to his feet.
*Out of tribute to the composer.
*As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II accepts that he too is subject to the Lord of Lords.
I hope you watch the video, and I hope it moves you as much as it moved me.
That was pretty neat Kelly. Thanks for posting!
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