AIR - But who may abide the day of His coming

When a soloist steps up to sing "But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming," a hush usually falls over the church. Taken from Handel’s Messiah, this aria draws its text directly from the prophet Malachi, asking a profound question about facing the Lord's arrival. It is a staple for Advent, a season of waiting and preparation, where the words challenge us to consider how we will stand when He appears.

The true thrill of this piece lies in its dramatic musical shifts. It opens with a slow, searching melody that feels almost hesitant, perfectly capturing the awe of the text. Then, without warning, the music erupts into a furious, blazing prestissimo tempo at the words "For He is like a refiner's fire." For the soloist, navigating this sudden burst of energy is a demanding but exhilarating task, and for the congregation, it brings the purifying power of the scripture vividly to life.