The Sign

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 NLT

It is the Christmas season, the season of merriment, fanfare and good old fun. It comes up once a year, when gifts are wrapped and shared. However, beyond the merriment that goes on with the season, there is a need to again critically examine the spirit behind the season. Are we aware of the reason why we celebrate yearly? Do we know the reason for the season in the first place?

Let's put today's extract in context. God had just made a promise to the king of Judah that 2 kings- Syria and Israel- were planning to attack, but that the attack would not happen. It must have been difficult for Judah's king to believe this, because God directed that the king ask for a sign of confirmation. Though the king refused, God himself gave a sign, incontrovertible evidence that He has power to do all that he has promised.

Firstly, a virgin shall conceive a child. In human history, it has never happened, and till the end of human history, it will not happen. Men know what 'impossible' means; God does not have impossibilities in his dictionary. God's power is best seen in a life that admits its weaknesses and limitations. Are you self-sufficient or fully dependent on God alone?

Secondly, the name of the child speaks on God's eternal purpose and plan. God had always desired a relationship with man and had put his Spirit in man to be that link. Sin came in and tampered with that plan, but because the template could not be tampered with, God simply put in motion a plan for redemption and restoration. The son would abide with man forever. God was going to be living with and in man forever. That is the import of the name 'Immanuel'.

As I celebrate this Christmas season, would Christ be the focus or the unknown 'x' factor? Would my life point people to the essence of the season- Christ himself- or would it be the usual eating, drinking and merriment that is empty of meaning and direction? Remember, when this great gift was first given, men of that age also missed it. Many went about their regular duties, unaware that Life had just been given as a gift. Kings and men in authority were afraid for their positions, while ordinary shepherds and wise men from far away were busy rejoicing at the birth. What would it be for you? His time of favour is here.