A Young Woman is With Child

This meditation is based on a passage for December 10, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Isaiah 7:10-25

Reflection and Question: This is one of the lesser known passages drawn upon by the first followers of Jesus to explain who He was–that He is Immanuel, which in Hebrew means, “God is with us.”(Matthew 1:23) It is also one of the more difficult passages because the details here are so rooted in that ancient situation and time. The prophet is chastising the king, Ahaz, for his misreading of contemporary politics and weakness in the face of competing pressures upon him. Yet, the sign of the young woman with child is a hopeful, encouraging word to Judah in a difficult time for Isaiah and Matthew. Where do you see Immanuel (God with us) in our times?

Prayer: Holy Spirit of our God, You inspired Isaiah to empower his people with the promise of the child named Immanuel. You inspired Joseph to be faithful to Mary, great with child, and to name Him as directed, God saved, Jesus. Inspire us. Amen.