When George Handel sat down to write “The Messiah,” a real masterpiece, he wrote non-stop, day and night for three weeks. He finished it. Sometimes he put hundreds of notes on one page. He told us what to sing and play. Did George Handel know that in 200 years, those texts his friend had gathered were as true today as then?

Reggie Davis, bass soloist, asks why are countries fighting even though powerful people try to sit down in dialogue? “Why do the nations so furiously rage together and rulers take council together?” Jane Hohn, alto soloist, tells us that the sheep and lambs need to be led ahead gently. Tenor, Alex Haskins goes from extreme to the other. It will all be alright; we will follow the straightened roads. But if we don't we will smashed to bits.

They killed a young man – handsome and strong. They didn't like what he said or believed. Our young men today are often “despised and rejected” sings another alto, Judy Amos. Did George Handel know that for two centuries this would be our fate?

We celebrate when the baby is born on December 25. God is with us as the babe is to be of peace and hope. In great paintings we look at the family. We don't lie the babe in the cow's hay now, while a little donkey stands guard. Meg Sandridge, soprano soloist, tells the shepherds not to be afraid.

Young violinists join in these performances. Rehearsals have been exciting and hard work. New singers come through the doors. The orchestra is here again. Glen Bowman, the keyboard foundation, is strong and always there.

The Chorale invites the community to join and sing the “Hallelujah” after the last “Amen.” Did Georg Frederic Handel know that we would follow the tradition and stand up with the King?

Performances are Nov. 25, 3 p.m. at Farmville United Methodist Church, and Dec. 9, 3 p.m. at Blackstone Crenshaw Methodist Church. The performances are free.