Thou cam’st the Bridegroom of the bride,
As drew the world to eventide,
The spotless Victim all divine
Proceeding from a virgin shrine.
(LSB 351 st. 3)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
(Isaiah 7:14)
Immanuel
Isaiah prophesied long ago that a virgin would miraculously give birth. Centuries later, his prophecy is fulfilled as the virgin Mary gives birth to Jesus on Christmas morning in Bethlehem. Jesus’ lack of an earthly father reveals who He truly is: the Son of God. Though He is born into time, His Father, God Almighty, has begotten Him from the beginning of all time. And to this child, born of a virgin, Isaiah gives the name “Immanuel:” God with us. Jesus’ name Immanuel announces that God at last has come to dwell with His people. He doesn’t dwell by just walking around and seeing the sights; He dwells by suffering with us, and by taking on the same pains and struggles we have. Indeed, Immanuel becomes clearest as He dies on the cross, reconciling us to His Father. God comes to dwell with us so that we might dwell with Him.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you sent your only-begotten Son to be born of a virgin, so that He might dwell with us and bring us to You. Give us eyes to see His presence even now as He dwells with His Church until the end of time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Written by Martin Hill, Sem II)