Today’s Reading: 2 Nephi 19-20
19:6 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, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).
There is a tradition in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that whenever the Prophet enters the room, everyone silences their conversation and rises to their feet. Nowhere is this experience more electrifying to be a part of than as a member of the 21,000 seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Last December I heard the choruses of Handel’s Messiah welcome another honored visitor:
“The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Together with 21,000 people, my daughter and I simultaneously arose as the first notes of the Hallelujah Chorus began. It felt as if the Savior himself walked in the room.
There have been times when I have been so carried away by the narrative of the scriptures that I have felt as if I were there. I have grieved with the fall of Lucifer, or rejoiced with the resurrection of Christ. There in the Conference Center, I felt carried away to some not far distant day. I felt as if I were standing to welcome the entrance of my Heavenly King. Truly, when He comes again, I feel quite comfortable with the idea that He could preside at a performance of Handel’s Messiah sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
I invite you to prepare for the live broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah one month from now.
What would you do differently today if you knew He was going to be entering when you stood for the Hallelujah Chorus?
I was born and raised in Alberta, Canada and California and promised every childhood friend I would never raise my family in Utah…until I fell in love with the most amazing fourth generation Orem boy. Now we are raising our kids in the house he grew up in and we love it. I am an estate planning attorney and marriage educator but I really want to be better at those half-baked talents like speaking Spanish, playing the piano, and making dinner every night! Read more about me at mormon.org
Oh tears! What a beautiful experience! I am looking forward to the concert with more anticipation now!