Scholars call it intertextuality, placing one thing next to another. One of the classic examples is how the prodigal son parable in Luke’s Gospel could be echoing the Jacob story in Genesis. Lots of reverberations there when you set those two next to each other.
Whenever I read these verses from the prophet Isaiah, I hear strains of Handel’s Messiah. I know of course which came first, that centuries after Isaiah’s time, the great composer wrote the music to accompany texts Charles Jennens had pulled from the King James Bible, but still that gorgeous composition plays in my mind when reading. It’s as if that’s how it was meant to be heard. If you don’t know Handel’s work by heart, try YouTube.
Just as Isaiah knew nothing of Handel, some people would be surprised to learn the prophet was not predicting the birth of Jesus. Scripture always has to be read in the right order. Isaiah was speaking truth to his generation. But, and this is a crucial “but,” there’s nothing wrong when looking back into the Old Testament, to find hints of what Jesus’ ministry was like.
Here’s a modest proposal for a time of devotion this day. Cue up Handel’s gorgeous music, and just before you press play, scan the headlines. Then read these words while the track plays, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined…. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In keeping with our Advent theme, “the world is about to turn.” Let’s hope so.
