“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us…” (Isaiah 9:6)
According to the publishers of The Saint John’s Bible, “The most important messianic verses are Isaiah 7:14-17, Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 and Isaiah 11:1-9. From the earliest of times, Christians have seen these messianic verses as having a direct reference to Christ. Isaiah’s prophecies have had an enduring influence on Western Civilization. The Christmas carol, Lo How a Rose ere Blooming, was inspired by Isaiah 11:1-3. Handel used Isaiah 9:6-7 for one of the great choral sections of the Messiah.
“Artist Thomas Ingmire fills this text treatment with explosive energy, color and radiating gold. Familiar gilded phrases burst out of the foundational text: Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Everlasting Peace, Immanuel God is With Us, For Unto Us a Child is Born, Halleluiah!—all prophesying the coming of our savior. Blues, greens and yellows suggest Marian connections since devotion to the “Blessed Virgin Mother” finds part of its scriptural basis in Isaiah 7.” (Liturgical Press)
Returning to the connection with Handel’s Messiah, Susan Sink says, “This illumination is crowned with Hallelujahs! You can almost see the trumpets raised and blasting with the announcement.” (The Art of The Saint John’s Bible, vol. 2, p. 62) Note also the intricate gold stamp, which we have seen in many recent display illuminations, adding to the celebratory effect.
The “Messianic Predictions” illumination will be featured in a Visio Divina session on Wednesday, December 2, at 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. This Advent prayer opportunity is sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Garaventa Center. Need more information? See this press release.
The library has a 1995 recording of the University of Portland Singers singing “Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming,” on this CD. Enjoy!