In mensen een welbehagen

In this concert, Vox Jubilans will perform the Christmas oratorio 'In mensen een welbehagen' before the intermission. Composed by our conductor Andre van Vliet with texts by Henriette Maaijen, the oratorio guides listeners through music and words to the stable, capturing the wonder of the birth of the Lord Jesus—the miracle that God takes delight in humanity. Henriette Maaijen, the author of the texts, says: “If we want to understand anything of God’s delight in humanity, we must return to Genesis.” The oratorio begins there, consisting of 11 movements, recounting creation, the fall, and above all, God’s seeking love. God does not abandon humanity but has a plan of salvation, calling people to new life and promising the coming of His Son through the Mother’s promise and the prophets. God’s promise is fulfilled with the birth of the Lord Jesus. God’s Son gave up His power and majesty to become human—because He takes delight in humanity! The oratorio concludes with a hymn of praise to God’s delight. After the intermission, a varied program follows, in which choir and soloist perform both well-known and lesser-known Christmas music, interspersed with an instrumental interlude.