The Sign of Immanuel
Today’s Advent Bible Verse:
Isaiah 7:14 ESV
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, Did You Know?” Of course, it deals with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and whether she knew what would happen to her firstborn child.
King Ahaz was facing immense uncertainty and fear. The prophet Isaiah brought hope to him: "The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This prophecy, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, is the bedrock of our Advent hope.
Ahaz, facing political turmoil, is offered a sign from God. But he refuses, claiming he doesn't want to test the Lord. Yet, God gives a sign anyway – a sign of extraordinary love and faithfulness. A virgin will bear a son, Immanuel, meaning "God with us."
This sign is not merely a miraculous event; it's a promise of God's abiding presence. Immanuel dwells among us in a world often filled with darkness and despair, bringing light, hope, and salvation.
We anticipate celebrating Christ's birth and reflecting on his promised return during Advent. We remember that God is not distant or aloof but has chosen to be with us, to share in our humanity, and to redeem us from our sins.
The sign of Immanuel is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love. No matter our challenges, we can find comfort in knowing God is with us. He is our Emmanuel, strength, hope, and salvation.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, thank you for coming to dwell among us. As we prepare to celebrate your birth, fill our hearts with your peace and joy. Help us to share your love with others and to be a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs your presence. In Your blessed name, we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.