Hallelujah!

by Shauna V. Brown 

Melodies are still vibrating through my soul this morning!  Last night Rick and I were invited and blessed to stand with throngs of people waiting in long lines for the doors to open, all of us anticipating the performance of the MESSIAH. Equally exciting was that it would be performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Orchestra on Temple Square and several award winning guest soloists. As the doors opened everyone eagerly sought for a seat up front, even if it was upon hard, wooden benches in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. We found ourselves just five rows from the conductors podium. I believe we had one of the best seats in the house. From our vantage point we could easily see the soloists and observe the conductor, Mack Wilberg. From the beginning beat his energy was vibrant, his intense body movements, facial expressions, clearly made it apparent that he was filled with passion and determination.  Every beat was important, every crescendo critical and carefully metered to evoke and generate the desired feelings. It was clearly evident he is a master of music. 

       I must add, hats off to Handel, who skillfully scored incredible arias, recitatives  and  pastorales that walked us through the life of Christ. Most of the time we hear the MESSIAH performed at Christmas time. Yet, this year, for me it seemed to elicit an even  greater meaning this Easter.   

Even so in Christ shall all be made alive! 

I watched with amazement as Mack Wilberg skillfully lead the vast ensemble of musicians. He put his whole soul into conducting. While watching him I couldn’t  imagine how exhausted he would be at the conclusion of the performance. As he directed every muscle of his body was engaged in bringing forward a masterpiece that would stir and uplift any listener. I marveled as he would bring in the string section one moment by the tip of his baton,  while nodding at the trumpets, mouthing the words to the tenor section. His other hand would lift, and point, then a smile towards the altos, the drums he added by lifting his eyebrows. A simple nod was a signal, but key and equally important.   Truly he was a conductor mindful of the whole.  

Of course my imagination was stirred as I pondered upon the master conductor of our lives ~ our eternal and everlasting life.   A Heavenly Father who is generously passionate about each one of his children. He allows each of us to play a part of significance and valued importance. A Father  who understands the neccesity of crescendos, intense moments, decrescendos, metered rests and breathing times for gratitude. He  needs and demands each performer’s attention, as it is critical for each to watch and listen. 

         Last night I loved watching conductor Wilberg as he crafted the final note. His face radiated satisfaction, joy, and gratitude for all their hard work. In conclusion, he stood back ,acknowledged all of the performers, gave each their rewarded applause and then smiled. 

I like to invision it as well with our loving Father in Heaven, as He whispers.... 

“Well done.” 

I leave you with a few phrases, jots of thoughts which plucked my heart strings 

       last night and gave me an enhanced appreciation for our master conductor.

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors.

The Lord gave the word.

How beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings of salvation; 

that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and he shall gather the lambs with His arm,

 and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead.

Break forth into joy, glad tidings. 

Thy God reigneth!

With His stripes we are healed.

I know that my redeemer liveth,

The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed.

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  

 

Hallelujah!

So in Christ shall all be made alive.

Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory

 through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Shall I see God.

This Easter might we  celebrate the wonders of it all.  

Might we, look to God and live, follow His promptings, and rejoice in the 

crescendos of the spirit. 

Enjoy your Sabbath 

Love always,

Shauna