Adoration of the Shepherds - Gerard van Honthorst, Handel's Messiah, Mary's Lullaby - George MacDonald

I like the variety of expressions displayed in this painting of the Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst, an early 17th century Dutch painter.  It's interesting to note that even though the baby is completely in the light, and he is the source of light in this painting reflected in all the faces - you don't look at the baby much, rather at the expressions and gestures of those who are welcoming him into this lowly world. 

Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst

Today's performance of Handel's Messiah conducted by Sir Colin Davis is preceded by a short introduction by Verity Sharp. 

This week we'll focus on Part 1-Scene 4, the Annunciation to the Shepherds.  This starts at minute 41:00 but you may want to go back and start from 36:57 if you want to listen to Unto Us a Child is Born again. 

You will find the parts and songs from Handel's Messiah for your reference again at the end of this post.

I found a wonderful Christmas storybook at our library The
Christmas Stories of George MacDonald.  It has beautiful illustrations by Linda Hill Griffith.  We read the first story last night and it was a lovely story, beautifully written.  I think I'll make this book a Christmas tradition around here.  Our poem today comes from this book:

Mary's Lullaby 
by George MacDonald

Babe Jesus lay in Mary's lap;
The sun shone on his hair;
And this was how she saw, mayhap,
The crown already there.

For she sang:"Sleep on, my little king;
Bad Herod dares not come;
Before thee, sleeping, holy thing,
The wild winds would be dumb.

"For thou art the king of men, my son.
Thy crown I see it plain;
And men shall worship thee, every one,
And cry Glory! Amen."

Babe Jesus opened his eyes so wide!
At Mary looked her Lord.
And Mary ended her song and sighed.
Babe Jesus said never a word.

Speaking of Christmas readings - Librivox has many wonderful Christmas stories read aloud, including collections with poetry. We've listened to The Gift of the Magi and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as well as some stories new to us. 

Handel's Messiah (as copied from Wikipedia)

Part I Scene 1: Isaiah's prophecy of salvation 1. Sinfony (instrumental) 2. Comfort ye my people (tenor) 3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (tenor) 4. And the glory of the Lord (chorus) Scene 2: The coming judgment 5. Thus saith the Lord of hosts (bass) 6. But who may abide the day of His coming (soprano, alto or bass) 7. And he shall purify the sons of Levi (chorus) Scene 3: The prophecy of Christ's birth 8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (alto) 9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (alto and chorus) 10. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth (bass) 11. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light (bass) 12. For unto us a child is born (chorus) Scene 4: The annunciation to the shepherds 13. Pifa ("pastoral symphony": instrumental) 14a. There were shepherds abiding in the fields (soprano) 14b. And lo, the angel of the Lord (soprano) 15. And the angel said unto them (soprano) 16. And suddenly there was with the angel (soprano) 17. Glory to God in the highest (chorus) Scene 5: Christ's healing and redemption 18. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion (soprano) 19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened (soprano or alto) 20. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd (alto and/or soprano) 21. His yoke is easy (chorus)

Part II Scene 1: Christ's Passion 22. Behold the Lamb of God (chorus) 23. He was despised and rejected of men (alto) 24. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (chorus) 25. And with his stripes we are healed (chorus) 26. All we like sheep have gone astray (chorus) 27. All they that see him laugh him to scorn (tenor) 28. He trusted in God that he would deliver him (chorus) 29. Thy rebuke hath broken his heart (tenor or soprano) 30. Behold and see if there be any sorrow (tenor or soprano) Scene 2: Christ's Death and Resurrection 31. He was cut off (tenor or soprano) 32. But thou didst not leave his soul in hell (tenor or soprano) Scene 3: Christ's Ascension 33. Lift up your heads, O ye gates (chorus) Scene 4: Christ's reception in Heaven 34. Unto which of the angels (tenor) 35. Let all the angels of God worship Him (chorus) Scene 5: The beginnings of Gospel preaching 36. Thou art gone up on high (soprano, alto, or bass) 37. The Lord gave the word (chorus) 38. How beautiful are the feet (soprano, alto, or chorus) 39. Their sound is gone out (tenor or chorus) Scene 6: The world's rejection of the Gospel 40. Why do the nations so furiously rage together (bass) 41. Let us break their bonds asunder (chorus) 42. He that dwelleth in heaven (tenor) Scene 7: God's ultimate victory 43. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron (tenor) 44. Hallelujah (chorus)

Part III Scene 1: The promise of eternal life 45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (soprano) 46. Since by man came death (chorus) Scene 2: The Day of Judgment 47. Behold, I tell you a mystery (bass) 48. The trumpet shall sound (bass) Scene 3: The final conquest of sin 49. Then shall be brought to pass (alto) 50. O death, where is thy sting (alto and tenor) 51. But thanks be to God (chorus) 52. If God be for us, who can be against us (soprano) Scene 4: The acclamation of the Messiah 53. Worthy is the Lamb (chorus)