A Glorious Nightნიმუში

Throughout our lives, we all find ourselves in situations where we need reassurance. This was the type of moment King Ahaz was in when Isaiah spoke these words. During a time when nations were at war, pressures were mounting, and uncertainty was at every turn, King Ahaz needed some hope. Even though Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings to ever sit on the throne in Jerusalem and refused to trust the Lord, God refused to abandon His people, so he sent Isaiah the prophet with an encouraging message: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV). God made a promise to Ahaz, and to us, that a Savior would be coming: Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”

That promise had its ultimate fulfillment seven hundred years later when the angel Gabriel visited the virgin Mary and told her she was going to become the mother of God’s Son. But this promise wasn’t just for the people in ancient times; It’s for all of us, even today. God’s gracious offer is for all people.

During Christmas and throughout the year, remember the promise in Isaiah 7:14; that God is with us. With God by our side, we can have unshakeable hope.