Simeon's Waiting ("Hallelujah Chorus" of Handel's "Messiah")

There is a piece of music that stirs souls so deeply that when heard in performance, the concert-goers rise to their feet until it's over.
A reverence comes over the crowd of people.
This is my personal experience.
The joy that bubbles up, the smile that dimples my cheeks, the celebratory fist pump I long to throw, but then restrain myself.
It's a tradition carried on from days of yore. From stories of a 1743 performance (of Handel's "Messiah", the "Hallelujah Chorus"), when England's King George 2 stood to his feet. And if the King stood, the people stood.
Sometimes I wonder though if most audience members truly understand the power and the awe of the words and music of this song. 

Do they understand?
Do they know?
Do their hearts leap for a moment just because they are wrapped up in the aura of this masterpiece?
Do they stand because it's a nostalgic, traditional thing to do? 
Or do their souls jump at the connection with God during that musical movement, on a spiritual level that even most people won't recognize?
That is me.
God moving. Heart lifted. Victory's sweet taste. Holy Spirit fire lighting up the notes and lyrics. 

Long before King George 2 and Handel, there was a Holy Spirit-filled man named Simeon who had waited for the Messiah to arrive. He was eager. He was hopeful. He knew. He knew when the Saviour had come and he knew that He was worth standing up for. 
He knew that Jesus, the new baby-King was truly who God said He was.
King of kings.
Lord of lords. 
The One who would reign forever and ever. 
Hallelujah!
Simeon knew. 

Christmas is a time when we typically hear about performances of the "Messiah". We hum the hallelujahs. We sing the songs.
Sometimes mindlessly.
But wait ...
Think.
What is the why?
Simeon had to wait for the birth of the Saviour. Simeon knew the Promised One was coming. He knew that the King held salvation in His hand. His hope carried him through his life and the waiting. 
 
God cared.
God loved.
God provided a way to remain in Him, and a hope for eternity with Him.
Jesus came.
Jesus saved.
And still does. 
So stand! Rejoice! Hope! 
For the light shines brightly. It is Christ revealed.
His purpose was our salvation. 

"He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of Your people, Israel." (Luke 2:32, NLT)
"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting 'Hallelujah! For our God Almighty reigns.' " (Revelation 19:6, NIV)