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Fourth Sunday of Advent: Joy
We Are the Signs for Joy
Isaiah 7:10-16
Matthew 1:18-25
by Yvette Moore
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”
—Isaiah 7:14-16 (NSRVUE)
Sometimes you just need a sign. Driving is not my first language because I grew up in New York City and was 26 before I got a license. So, to be comfortable driving long distances, I need detailed directions before I leave, in addition to the talking GPS’s guided instructions, along with reasonably frequent road signs. Nothing makes me more nervous than driving a kabillion country miles without a sign assuring me I’m going the right way. And what joy and relief I feel when a sign finally comes or the GPS says, “Continue on ….”
A sign is what God promises and gives in today’s meditation texts. The Isaiah passage opens with King Ahaz of Judah fearing the armies of Israel and Aram gathering to attack, when Isaiah the prophet comes with assuring words from God. Not only will his foes’ plans come to naught, but within 65 years, some of his enemies won’t even be. That’s God-speak for “Don’t worry about them, their day is coming.” God goes further and invites King Ahaz to ask for a sign— anything at all. But apparently King Ahaz, like many of us, was taught not to ask God for signs. So, God volunteers one, a big one with future, miracles, and hope: “A virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, NKJV).
Oh, the joyful relief of a sign! And what a sign: God was with him!
And God is with us.
Today, many of us need a sign. I know I do. God is still with us. But where? We see the wars and rumors of wars. We cry out against genocide and famine. We are flummoxed at spiritual wickedness in high places and lying wonders. Where is God?
In addition to the encouraging promise, Isaiah also gave King Ahaz another instruction that is also good for us today. Isaiah told King Ahaz to keep the faith: “If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9).
This Advent, we can keep the faith and remember that Christ is in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), that when even two or three of us gather, Christ is there (Matthew 18:20), and that God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5).
This Advent, we can remember that God is indeed with us, and in us, and we bear the signs of love the world must see for the joyful relief it so desperately needs.
Prayer
Emmanuel, God with us—thank you for the signs of your presence, even when fear and uncertainty surround us. When the world feels dark with war, famine, and injustice, steady our hearts to stand firm in faith. Give us the courage to trust your promises and to bear witness through love, so that others may find hope and relief in you. This Advent, remind us again that you are with us, within us, and for us. Amen.
Yvette Moore is a United Women in Faith member from Brooklyn, NY, and retired response magazine editor, and director for public relations and marketing for the national organization.
