About Those "Alleluias"

All for Hymn commenter Steve left this note about singing Alleluias during "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing."  I find it appropriate as we close out the Easter Season to meditate on this wonderful word, which was put away for Lent and brought back out in all its glory for Easter.

Find me a person who doesn't love the "Alleluia." They're pretty irresitable...

I often wonder how many people REALLY understand what they are singing when they sing or respond with an "Alleluia." They obviusly know they've sung it countless times and feel the joy and satisfying peace it creates in their soul somehow. Perhaps for some it's just a peace due to it's familiarity to them. As humans, we all naturally tend to migrate to those familiar things or surroundings to find peace, rest and comfort.

But do they realize the word "Alleluia" is Hebrew for "praise the Lord" (though in its Greek spelling). It is a word of joy and gladness. So, when we sing or speak that "Alleluia" we are really saying - "praise the Lord!".

So how much more powerful could our "Alleluia's" be in knowing that? Even greater! As Christian's those "Alleluia's" come from deep within. They come from that place where God himself has written HIS name our hearts marking us as his own.

Now those "Alleluia's" become even more familiar to us. Not just in history and repition, but in knowing we are a child of God. Chosen and saved by his redeeming grace. In knowing and believing that, is when we find our TRUE sense of peace. What more could we ask for? There is nothing more. As a Christian, we have everything we need. What overwhelming peace, joy and comfort that is.

** ALLELUIA! **

Here are some musical settings that contain this special word. Some classic, some modern, some traditional, some contemporary.

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Alleluia
Randall Thompson
Performed by
Trinity College Konzertchor



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Alleluia
Antonio Vivaldi
Sung by countertenor Andreas Scholl



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Sing Alleluia, Allelu
Asian Children's Choir
African/Gospel Style


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Alleluia
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sung by 6th, 7th and 8th Graders


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Celtic Alleluia
This is used
before the Gospel Reading
during the Mass
The Alleluias remain constant,
but the verse changes
with each given Sunday.



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Agnus Dei
Michael W. Smith
In spite of the title,
which means, "Lamb of God,"
there are a ton of alleluias in this song!



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Les Archanges
"Souffle de Vie" Chanson #7
Alleluia



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African Alleluia
arranged by Jay Althouse



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Chorus:
Hallelujah
George Fredrick Handel
performed by the Bethany College Choir
Bethany, Virginia