In a previous reading we learned that Judah's King Ahaz, an evil king, is about to be attacked by the kings of Israel and Syria. God sends Isaiah to King Ahaz to give him a message of comfort. King Ahaz doesn't expect God to intervene for him and his people, but God promises Ahaz He will protect and save Judah.The Lord tells Ahaz to ask for a sign to verify God's promise. Ahaz refuses. So Isaiah, impatient with Ahaz, tells him of the sign he will receive from God Himself, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (v 14). The virgin’s son is God who will come to earth in human form. He will be born as a descendant of David, the most famous king of Judah.
Through this promise God will be faithful to the line of David. Judah's future will be established through the birth of “Immanuel.” This was the sign, given to king Ahaz, that Judah would continue as a nation.
Today's reading shows God is faithful. He keeps his word. God's promise to King Ahaz wasn't realized during Ahaz's lifetime. It took many generations until Immanuel was born of a virgin and came in human form to be with us on earth.
This is the birth, the Son of God coming to earth, that we celebrate at Christmas. His gift of peace and hope comes to all who follow Him. He is Joy to all the world!
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