November 28-29, 2025
Beginning of Advent in the Orthodox Church

Revived a recent tradition this afternoon as my oldest bought me a ticket to the yearly Messiah performance at Boston Symphony Orchestra by the Handel and Hayden Society. I cannot think of a better birthday gift. It is simultaneously a way to remember my departed mother whose repose began this tradition two years ago and to inaugurate the Advent season of preparation for our Lord’s coming in the flesh.

The majesty of Symphony Hall is a most fitting setting for this regal oratorio. It Is probably the only piece of classical music for which I have memorized large portions. Choir ad soloists all sing with impeccable diction and soaring pitch. The first full chorus piece The Glory of the Lord hits notes as clean as waves lapping the shoreline.

It’s hard to say which songs will speak to me especially in any given year. This year the soprano aria Come to me All Who Labor beckons this worn out dad of teens with the promise of peace and light burdens. I pray this prayer along with the choir. In what other place can one utter such profound prayer in a secular concert hall? Surrounded by golden ornament and naked Greek statues? It is as if the music turns it into a proper Christian Church.

But the real power comes in the third section right after everyone thinks it is all over. Most abridged versions end with the Alleluia chorus. But Handel’s original setting has this introducing the most paschal, resurrectional Part III. The instruments go silent while the haunting harmonies proclaim, “By man death entered the world, so also by a Man is resurrection brought.” This is not polite concert-going sentimentality. This is the Gospel in its full power for all who have ears to hear. 

Blessed and Glorious Advent to all as we await the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh at Christmas!