Advent Day 4: A Sign To You

Isaiah 7:10-16

New International Version (NIV)

10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you[a] a sign: The virgin[b] will conceive and give birth to a son, and[c] will call him Immanuel.[d]15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

There are lots of ways that we are tested. Students most often experience written tests. Athletes experience challenges of strength and endurance, and then there are those people who test our nerves and our patience. 

My two year old is willing to test her boundaries and my sanity at the Wal-Mart check out line. Somehow in her mind, the consequences are worth the risk if she thinks I will give in and get her the toy or gum or candy to stop her tantrum.  If I give in, it is a sign to her and all people that “Behold! This mother is one of weak fortitude and little control.”

We give signs all the time.  When my red-headed, freckled faced mother’s temper had officially turned to white hot rage, the sign was that her face turned red and her freckles turned white.  Brown freckles, happy mommy, white freckles…run!  There is even a country song called “Here’s Your Sign” about the message that we send the world with the kind of questions we ask.

So as the people of God, what is our sign to the world?  From ancient times God gave us a sign, and it was to be to all people, including us.  Our sign is a babe, born of a virgin, who was to be Immanuel, God with us.  That same child who was born so long ago is our Savior today.  And so, with every Christmas tree lit in the windows of our neighborhoods, with every wreath hung on every door, and with every display of Christmas festiveness, we can be reminded that this time of the year is different.  It’s special.  It’s a birthday celebration.  

Here’s your sign: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 

 Prayer: Holy God, may we refocus our hearts and minds to see every celebration and decoration of Christmas as a sign of the gifts of your Son and salvation.