Alleluia!

The Hallelujah Chorus is traditionally performed throughout the Christian world as part of the celebration of Easter. The Hallelujah Chorus is part of the Messiah, an oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741 with a Scriptural text by Charles Jennens. The Messiah is written in three parts. Part one is the Christmas story. Part two, the crucifixion and resurrection, is the Easter story. Part three covers redemption and Christ’s final victory over sin and death. Part two--the Easter story--culminates with the Hallelujah Chorus.

The Hallelujah Chorus is the part of the oratorio that brings people to their feet. Allegedly this tradition began when King George II came to the London premiere of the Messiah. When the Hallelujah Chorus rang out its first notes, the king rose to his feet and remained standing throughout the entire chorus. According to royal protocol, when the king stands, everyone must stand. So the entire audience stood for the duration of the piece, initiating a tradition that continues today.

The word Hallelujah is a transliteration of a Hebrew word that literally means “Praise God.” The word is found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, mostly in the psalms. To utter the word Hallelujah is to boast in God, to rise up with resounding praise, to shout for joy.

The word Hallelujah was translated into Greek and then Latin, resulting in the word Alleluia. Like our Hebrew ancestors, early Christians also used this word as an expression of joy, thanksgiving, hope and triumph.

The Alleluia is used in our liturgy as the Gospel acclamation and it is so important that it is only sung—never spoken! During the more reflective season of Lent, the Alleluia is replaced with another acclamation of praise.

The Hallelujah Chorus isn’t the only music that brings people to their feet. The Alleluia, as the Gospel acclamation, bids us to rise to greet the God who lives among us. To sing the Alleluia is to anticipate hope, to welcome joy, to encounter divine grace. Alleluia! Christ is Risen!