And the glory of the Lord.

When a choir begins to learn Handel's Messiah, this is often the first great chorus they encounter. "And the glory of the Lord" opens with a bright, dancing triple meter that immediately lifts the spirit. The words, drawn from the prophet Isaiah, announce the coming of the Lord with absolute certainty. For a choir, mastering the overlapping entrances and the joyful, rolling phrases is a true rite of passage.

In Nigerian parishes, this piece is a beloved choice for Advent and Christmas concerts, as well as grand festive Masses. The way the different voice parts echo and answer each other—"and all flesh shall see it together"—creates a sense of a vast, gathering crowd witnessing a miracle. It requires strong breath control and a light, energetic tone, especially when the sopranos soar on the final declarations that "the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Singing this chorus brings a profound sense of anticipation and joy to both the loft and the congregation. It is a piece that demands attention, drawing everyone into the majestic promise of the season.