Few know the name of Charles Jennens. He’s the man who provided the lyrics for many of George Frideric Handel’s musical pieces.
Despite their frequent disagreements, Jennens and Handel produced magnificent work together. Handel’s Messiah has become a standard for the Christmas season. Jennens selected the lyrics for the oratorio directly from the Bible, much of which come from Old Testament passages pointing to the long-anticipated Messiah.
One such passage is from the prophet Haggai: “Yet once, . . . a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth” (2:6 KJV). The people were obsessing over their own wellbeing and neglecting God. He told them, “My house lies in ruins, . . . while all of you are busy building your own fine houses” (1:9). God’s “house”—the temple—foreshadowed His plan to dwell with His people, who didn’t fully understand what that meant.
Speaking on God’s behalf, Haggai reminded them: “My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt” (2:5). He added, “The desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory” (v. 7 KJV).
Five hundred years later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the arrival of that desire of nations. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “You will conceive and give birth to a son” (Luke 1:30-31).
Whatever we face this year, we need not fear. We have the gift of promise: the presence of Jesus.
