Sunday 21 December 2025 - The Lord himself will give you a sign

Sunday 21 December 2025

Today is Sunday the 21st of December, beginning the 4th week of Advent. SisterBrother sings, ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo. See him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise. Mary, Joseph, lend your aid While our hearts in love we raise. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 7:10-14 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 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. Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 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. The Lord invites Ahaz to ask for a sign from God. But Ahaz refuses to put God to the test. When have you resisted or hesitated to embrace the encouragement or invitation of God? What happened within you at that time? What did you learn about God despite your reluctance? Even though he refuses, God still gives Ahaz the sign of a young woman bearing a child called Immanuel - ‘God with us.’ What does this promise mean to you personally? What difference has the fulfilment of this promise made in your life? Where do you most need to experience ‘God with us’ today? As you listen to this passage again, ponder how God might be inviting you to share this great sign with others this Christmas. Isaiah 7:10-14 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 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. Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 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. In the last few moments of prayer, rest quietly in the presence of God. Allow the Spirit to release within you thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus. In the silence, offer that gratitude to God. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus