Sunday, December 18, 2016

18 December 2016 - emmanuel labor


Ahaz does not know how to ask for the sign God wants to give his people. In fact, it is more than anyone can ask or imagine. Whatever sign Ahaz might think to ask for would be less than the virgin birth of Emmanuel. Often we ask for signs out of our doubt. Ahaz isadmirable in not asking for a sign with this motivation. But sometimes God gives us signs just because he wants to show us something. In this, the sign of signs, he reveals the depths of his love for us.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: 
the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, 
and shall name him Emmanuel.

The one whom the virgin bears is not merely the Son of David according to the flesh. He is not merely another attempt in the list of flawed human beings sent by God to his people. He is the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness. He truly is Emmanuel, God with us, whom even death itself cannot hold or stop.

Jesus may choose unexpected times and places to enter our lives more deeply. This is true in his promise to Ahaz and it is true in his promise to Joseph. Let us listen attentively to the voice of the angel.

Joseph, son of David, 
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit 
that this child has been conceived in her.

Let us welcome Mary into our lives in order that we might have room also for her son. Let us embrace the virgin so that we can receive from her Emmanuel.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel, 
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him 
and took his wife into his home.

God truly wants to be with us. This sign is deeper than the netherworld and higher than the sky. The king of glory truly enters the mortal realm. Let us be ready to receive him!


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