Having spoken in generalities about the Messiah who lights the Darkness, Handel now sets to music some specifics about the Messiah that are well known to anyone who has heard the King James Version of the Christmas Story in the Gospel of Luke:

“There were shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night. (Luke 2:8 KJV).

And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:9),

And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11).

And suddenly there was with the heavenly host a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to [all]”. (Luke 2:13-14).

This passage makes clear that the Messiah is not an abstract idea or teaching. The Messiah is the baby born in Bethlehem—Jesus himself!: Emmanuel (God with us), the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Why did angels tell shepherds that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem?

Why is this good news for all Humanity, not solely for the people of Israel?

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For related ideas, please read my blog “The Nativity Scene: The Shepherds” and my book Hoping in the LORD, at pages 31-35 (“The Shepherds Find Jesus”).