As you may or may not know, it is considered proper and customary (though, I guess the custom is fading in more recent years) to stand during a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. I never knew, until last night, why this was. It is reported that during the first London performance of Messiah, King George II was in attendance. During the first few notes of the triumphant chorus, the King rose to his feet (at which point protocol dictates that all others rise as well). Standing in the presence of royalty is a sign of respect. Even the king of England knew and acknowledged that he too was subject to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
This post might be a little late in it's timing, as Christmas is just past, but even so, any time I hear the words of this song ring out, it makes my heart swell to think of the glorious coming time when all of heaven and earth will serve His Majesty the King. The glimpse of that day that can be caught in this video moved me to tears.
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