Christmas by Jeff Rohlwing

One of the best things about Christmas is the music. I have a pretty eclectic collection, including Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand, Mannheim Steamroller, Anuna and, of course, Handel's Messiah. Last night I attended a concert where my musical friend, Jeff Rohlwing, performed songs from his ... Continue reading

Turn: A review

  The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi, where are ... Continue reading

Third Day rocks Phoenix

Slap the label "Christian" on almost anything and you'll find a market for it. One of the popular digs at Christian music is that it is not so much a musical genre as a shrewd way to separate the faithful from their money. When Christianity and the music industry intersect, the temptation to ... Continue reading

Handel’s Messiah: Glory to God!

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.And lo! The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid.And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, ... Continue reading

Handel’s Messiah: A great light

Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the LORD is shining upon you. Darkness as black as night will cover all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD will shine over you. All nations will come to your light. Mighty kings will come to see your ... Continue reading

Handel’s Messiah: A virgin shall conceive

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel — God with us." —Isaiah 7:14, NLT Messenger of good news, shout to Zion from the mountaintops! Shout louder to Jerusalem — do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, "Your God is coming!" ... Continue reading

Handel’s Messiah: A highway for our God

"Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her in full for all her sins." Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, "Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. ... Continue reading

Handel’s Messiah: A brief history

The story goes that after the first performance of Messiah, an enthusiastic member of the audience congratulated composer and director George Frideric Handel for producing such a wonderful piece of "entertainment.""Entertainment!" Handel replied, "My purpose was not to entertain, but to teach ... Continue reading