We are trying something a bit different for Morning Time during this Christmas season. Combining our Bible and our classical music elements, we are doing devotions based on George Frideric Handel's Messiah.
Years ago, I had read of this idea on Cindy Rollins' blog, but somehow I perceived it as complicated (I don't know why) and never did it. This year, we jumped in and we're loving it! Each day we read passages from the Bible, and then we listen to the corresponding portions from the oratorio. So simple. So wonderful! My classical music-loving girl is soaking it up!
This is the link to Cindy's schedule of reading and listening:
We are listening (and watching) this YouTube performance of Messiah:
This performance by Collegium 1704 is excellent in every way, from the enthusiasm of the conductor Václav Luks to the superb soloists to the outstanding orchestra. (I even appreciate the quality of the video. It is easy to watch, the sound quality is good, and I love how the videographer sometimes artfully focuses the camera on the neck of a violin or on a bow.)
Another interesting note. We noticed a brass instrument that we could not identify. It looks something like a trombone, a bit like a trumpet, but it was something that neither of us had seen before.
I sought help from my Facebook friends. Was it a sackbut? A natural trumpet? After some discussion, it was concluded that it is likely a baroque trumpet, an instrument which would replicate the sound of an instrument of the Baroque period. (Thanks, Melanie!)
I love homeschooling! It is never dull!
Our hymn for the month of December was written in 1866 by Benjamin Hanby, but I heard it for the first time last year. Although "Who Is He in Yonder Stall?" begins with the Christmas story, it really tells the whole story of Jesus. It is a beautiful hymn, and this is my favorite version:
We are loving our Morning Time music for the month of December!
It sounds a delightful way of learning.
ReplyDeleteMorning Time is my favorite!
DeleteI love this!!! What a beautiful idea for morning Bible Study. I just dug out my Messiah CD "The Gift of Messiah" conducted by a local conductor Howard Dyck. Why haven't I been playing this? Jim and I even sang in the Messiah choir many years ago - it's SO beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to pass along the inspiration! We are finding such meaning in this! I'll bet it was wonderful to sing in a Messiah choir!
DeleteIt sounds so lovely and thank you for sharing the music and video with us!
ReplyDeleteYou are quite welcome! I am happy to have made these new discoveries!
DeleteHow wonderful, Cheryl, and thank you very much for sharing! Love Handel. What a great way to wait for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBrenda xox
It is a very good way! Good for heart, mind, and soul!
DeleteI missed the Mennonite Choral Society's (Berne, IN) performance of the Messiah this year. I was very disappointed. Reading your post, I'll avail myself of this link or another and add it to my Christmas listening yet this year. Music is a HUGE part of my Christmas celebration - and getting HUGER the older I get ♪♪
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as we did, Rebecca! Beautiful Christmas music is a wonderful thing!
DeleteThank you, thank you for sharing the recording - it brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful. When our three children were home, we often sang acapella as a family. Great memories, beautiful harmony! Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have heard your family harmony! There is just something special about singing together as a family! Merry Christmas to you and yours, GrammaGrits!
DeleteThe Messiah is one of my favorites. Handel was a genius who left a gift to the world! I love that you have chosen it for your morning time. What a wonderful way to start your day during Advent. Your school is an inspiration, dear Cheryl. Thank you for sharing this music. ♥
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Martha Ellen. Handel was a genius and his Messiah is a gift!
DeleteI grew singing Who is He in Yonder ... but I love this rendition. I also like your mornings with Handel's Messiah! What a wonderful way to instill Scripture.
ReplyDeleteI love that you grew up singing this wonderful carol! I wonder how I missed it all these years?
DeleteOne of the things that I love about Messiah (and there are many things to love) is that it is taken directly from Scripture!
So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special way to do your morning time also!
We are enjoying this simple but rich and inspiring idea!
DeleteMusic with Bible study, what a wonderful way to start the day, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link, and for the hymn, which I have not heard before.
I can also tell how much you enjoy homeschooling, this is so refreshing, it truly is not a task, but a ministry. I think that is why you make it sound so easy. your family is so blessed, and I think they know this.
Thanks for the tutorial on your last post of gift tags.
Thank you for visiting and for your sweet, thoughtful comments.
Blessings,
Sue
Sue, your words go straight to my heart! Indeed, I have loved homeschooling since my very first day and I believe that it is a God-given love. Not that every minute is inspired (ask me about Algebra II), but I am so grateful for the years that I have been able to spend with my children, discipling them!
DeleteOh wow...I have cold chills as I am typing these words. That beautiful hymn (which I have never heard before either) by the Collingsworth Family is truly so very worshipful...and their harmony is phenomenal! Your Morning Time sounds like a wonderful time to me!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a wonderful song, isn't it? And beautifully rendered by the Collingsworth Family!
DeleteThose mornings sound real good. I've never heard this song and I'm happy to be listening to it now.
ReplyDeleteNew to you too! I love learning new songs . . . especially ones with such a message!
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