Making Room for Immanuel

Laura Digan December 21, 2025 4 1

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Isaiah 7: 10-16 (NIVUK)

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 sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 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.

Isaiah’s promise of Immanuel (‘God with us’) meets us in the space of fear and faith. King Ahaz is anxious as he is surrounded by threats. I think this is a space we can all identify with at times. Some of us might be in that space just now. Instead of a sign of human strength to help — God offers a sign of divine presence. 

‘God with us’ is not an abstract idea, it is a promise spoken into our uncertainty.

Making room for Immanuel means opening our hearts when we are most tempted to close them, trusting that our God is near. 

The child prophesied in Isaiah reminds us that hope often arrives not loudly and with great fanfare but quietly, wrapped in vulnerability. Making room for Immanuel means laying down our need for control to receive the gift of presence. Take time to really notice that presence friends for it might be where you least expect it. As you become aware of His presence, your fear will ease and trust will grow. Because our God is with us, here, now, always.

Prayer:

Our God with us, open our hearts to receive you.

When fear surrounds us, teach us to trust your promise.

May Immanuel dwell with us, leading us in hope and peace

Amen