Composer Spotlight: George F. Handel and his Messiah
Every December, families all over the world gather in churches and concert halls to hear one of the most glorious works of all time: Messiah by George Frideric Handel.
From the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” to the joyful “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” this masterpiece has inspired generations. But how did it come to be, and why has it become such an important part of our Christmas traditions? Let’s take a closer look at Handel, his faith, and the music that changed history.
Meet George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel was born in Halle, Germany, in 1685—the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach. Although his father wanted him to become a lawyer, Handel’s love for music was undeniable. As a child, he practiced secretly in the attic until his musical gifts became too great to hide.
After years of study and travel through Italy, Handel eventually settled in London, where he became a famous composer of operas and instrumental music. His works for the royal family, such as Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks, are still well known today.
But even great artists face hard seasons. In the 1730s, Handel’s operas fell out of fashion. He suffered health problems, lost money, and found himself wondering what to do next. Then, a friend handed him a text based entirely on Scripture—and it changed everything.
In 1741, Handel’s friend Charles Jennens compiled a libretto (the words for a musical work) using verses straight from the King James Bible. The text told the story of Jesus Christ—from the prophecies of His birth to His death, resurrection, and eternal reign.
Something about this project stirred Handel deeply. He began writing and, in just 24 days, completed the entire oratorio—more than 250 pages of music! He later said, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.”
Handel’s Messiah is not an opera with costumes and sets; it’s an oratorio—a large work for orchestra, soloists, and chorus that tells a sacred story through music on a concert stage.
The Structure and Story
The oratorio is divided into three main sections:
The Prophecy and Birth of Christ – Filled with anticipation and joy, this section includes choruses like “And the Glory of the Lord” and “For Unto Us a Child Is Born.”
The Passion and Resurrection – The music grows more emotional and intense, expressing sorrow in “He Was Despised” and triumph.
The Promise of Redemption – This section includes with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” celebrating Christ’s victory and eternal reign.
One reason Messiah endures is that its message is timeless. Handel didn’t just want to entertain—he wanted listeners to be transformed by truth.
The First Performance
Messiah premiered in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742, as a charity concert to raise funds for prisoners and hospitals. It was a great success! The audience was so large that women were asked to leave their hoop skirts at home to make more room.
Later, when the work was performed in London, a legend began that King George II stood during the “Hallelujah Chorus,” prompting everyone else to stand. To this day, audiences around the world rise to their feet during that moment—a tradition that continues nearly 300 years later.
Why It Became a Christmas Tradition
Interestingly, The Messiah was originally written for Easter, not Christmas! The full work covers the entire life of Christ, but over time, the joyful prophecies and nativity texts from the first part became favorites during the Christmas season.
By the 19th century, Christmas performances of Messiah had become common throughout Europe and America. Today, it’s one of the most frequently performed works in classical music history—beloved by professional musicians and church choirs alike.
Faith Reflection
Handel’s story reminds us that God can bring beauty out of struggle. When his career seemed to be ending, God gave him a new purpose. Through his obedience and creativity, Handel wrote music that has pointed millions of people toward Christ.
As you study Messiah with your children, consider reading Isaiah 9:6 together:
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Then listen to Handel’s setting of that verse—“For Unto Us a Child Is Born”—and hear how he paints the words with sound. The voices seem to dance with joy as if echoing the excitement of the shepherds on that first Christmas night.
How to Study The Messiah in Your Homeschool
You don’t have to be a music expert to explore this masterpiece with your kids! Here are a few simple ways to make it part of your Christmas School:
1. Listen to One Chorus a Day
Start with the most familiar:
“For Unto Us a Child Is Born”
“Hallelujah Chorus”
“And the Glory of the Lord”
Talk about what each text means and where it comes from in the Bible.
2. Draw or Paint While Listening
Encourage kids to create art inspired by the music. Younger children might draw angels or stars, while older ones could sketch the orchestra or scenes from the Nativity.
3. Explore Vocabulary
Introduce terms like oratorio, aria, recitative, and chorus. Discuss how oratorios are like musical storytelling without acting.
4. Map Handel’s Life
Add Handel to your music history timeline. Compare him with Bach and Vivaldi—other Baroque composers writing in the same era.
5. Make It Multi-Sensory
Play Messiah during copywork time, Bible study, or art appreciation. It’s a wonderful background for peaceful December mornings.
Resources to Make It Easy
If you’d like a ready-to-go way to study Handel’s Messiah this December, you’ll find it inside the Music of Christmas course at Music in Our Homeschool.
This course includes 15-minute lessons with listening links, videos, printables, and simple discussion questions—perfect for your “Christmas School” rhythm. You’ll also find lessons on Christmas music from around the world and a beautiful Lessons & Carols study.
Pair it with my Fine Art Pages: Adoration of the Magi or Nativity Through the Ages sets to create a full fine-arts experience at home. Hang the artwork, light a candle, play Messiah, and let beauty fill your homeschool.
Handel’s Lasting Legacy
Handel’s Messiah has been performed every single year since its premiere. It has brought comfort during wars, joy at Christmas, and hope to people of every generation.
When Handel died in 1759, he was buried in Westminster Abbey, surrounded by the music and musicians who loved him. Even today, thousands of singers join in his “Hallelujah Chorus” each December, echoing his words of praise.
Final Thoughts
Handel once said, “I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wished to make them better.”
That’s exactly what Messiah continues to do. It entertains, yes—but more than that, it draws us closer to God through the power of Scripture set to music.
As you include Messiah in your homeschool this Christmas, take time to let its message sink in. Talk about how God used one man’s obedience to bless the world. And when that familiar chorus begins—“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”—stand up and sing along with joy.
