Hearts Longing: For God’s Love

Ahaz has a plan to rescue his people and save himself. The Lord comes to him with a different plan, an offer he shouldn’t refuse. I will rescue you. Ask me for any sign. Ahaz rejects this offer. God judges Ahaz, but provides the sign anyhow. The virgin will be with child. God makes his dwelling among us. That sign comes to fruition in our Gospel reading—when Mary tells Joseph that she is miraculously pregnant with that Son of God. Joseph struggles with this news. So the Lord sends an angel to him in a dream. Upon hearing that what is conceived within Mary’s womb is from the Holy Spirit, Joseph immediately takes Mary as his wife and raises his Savior as his very own son. Joseph’s humble obedience is something to strive for, certainly. But the humble obedience and sacrifice of the Immanuel is what saves us from our sins and that is why the angel tells Joseph what to call this child. His name will be Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.