December 21, 2025

Scripture

Isaiah 7:10-17 ~ Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah — the king of Assyria!”

Reflection

This text from Isaiah probably contains the greatest prophecy of all time. God is speaking through Isaiah to Ahaz, the king of Judah, giving him a sign and reassurance that everything will be fine. Ahaz is concerned that an imminent war with Israel and Syria will destroy his kingdom. God offers to give Ahaz a sign that Isaiah’s words were true, but Ahaz refuses the offer, not wanting to test the Lord. God is probably frustrated and says he will give him a sign anyway, not just to him but to all David’s descendants.

Hundreds of years prior to the birth of Christ, the Lord tells Ahaz of the virgin birth and the child who will be named Immanuel, which means God with us. God wanted Ahaz to know that Judah will not be saved because of their military power but because God was with them, and by the time this Christ Child, Immanuel, was of age, the kingdoms wanting to destroy Judah would be deserted. Judah and the house of David would remain.

We all face uncertainty and doubt in our lives. We face decisions each day and somehow just knowing God will guide us is reassuring. This is a powerful reminder that we should always trust in the Lord, always seek God’s wisdom, and not be afraid. God is and always will be with us.

During this busy time of year, when you feel like you are being pulled in so many directions and have lists of things you need to do that never end, take time to sit down and pray and thank God for all you have and ask for His guidance. Everything that needs to get done will get done!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us to forgive all our sins! Help us to always remember Immanuel means God with us and to always trust in God in whatever we are facing. Please let us strengthen our faith and find peace in knowing that God is with us, guiding and protecting us along life’s path. Amen.

Barb Hohl