1. The Overture
In orchestral or choral music, an overture serves as the introduction to a larger piece. I know that classical music isn't necessarily in vogue these days, but stay with me. The overture gives you a taste of the musical themes that will be repeated and expanded later, setting the backdrop for the entire score. Imagine for a moment that your life is a piece of music. What would the overture be? What backdrop would set the stage for your greatest adventures?
For me, it is the Champlain Valley in Vermont. If you have never traveled to that part of the country, I would recommend it. The natural beauty found there is worth beholding at some point in your life. Lake Champlain sits in the middle of the valley, surrounded by the two most significant mountain ranges in the Northeast - the Adirondacks of New York to the West and the Green Mountains of the Appalachians to the East. The most meaningful adventures of my life start here.
To be clear, I did not grow up in Vermont, and I'm sure my New Jersey plates are about as welcome by the locals today as they were 16 years ago. I didn't grow up there, but my wife did. I remember each of those long trips down cold, winding roads. First to meet her family, then to ask her father for her hand in marriage, and finally, the drive just days before our wedding. It is my overture - all of the themes were there! All of the beautiful adventures we would have together start in Vermont.
Advent is the Overture of
Christmas Day.
Advent is the Overture for Christmas Day. There is a temptation to skip through it, to get to the meat of the season, to allow yourself to get swallowed up in the busyness, and coast through without taking in all it in. That is why I started writing this devotional last year. It was as much for me as for those who read it. I needed more discipline in enjoying the overture and taking in the great themes of that first Christmas. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was born - I cannot overstate the importance of that day. Christ is born in Bethlehem, a chorus I will never get tired of singing. His birth led to his sinless life, His death on our behalf, and, of course, the curse-breaking resurrection!
Perhaps you want to draw nearer to the Lord this Christmas? Maybe you are still kicking the tires of your faith and have yet to start reflecting on those long back roads through the hills and valleys of your own life. Christ can meet you there. Even if you aren't sure what your overture is, you can enjoy the overture of the Messiah - the Savior of the World. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!
What to expect this year:
I will post a new devotional each day of the week (except Sunday) leading up to Christmas.
I will be following one of the most famous pieces of music as my devotional guide - Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah" (more explanation on this tomorrow)
Read the devotional and the suggested scriptures, pray over the truths contained, and journal about what you've heard.
Listen to the musical selection at the very end. Headphones are recommended! I will include some things to listen for in the piece. It makes it more interesting if you are listening for something specific.
Scripture for Today:
Handel’s “Messiah” - Overture: