Judah was facing a military invasion from her enemies. In the face of this danger, King Ahaz and his people became afraid. It is at this time that Isaiah goes to meet Ahaz. His advice to the king is to remain calm and not to fear because the attack will not succeed. Isaiah then offers the king a sign even when the king refuses to ask for it.

The sign is that a young woman will bear a son and name him 'Emmanuel' which in Hebrew means "God is with us". Although the figure of Emmanuel in Isaiah is not presented as a messianic figure, he will be a royal child. Although his future reign is not mentioned, what is certain, however, is that he will be a symbol of hope in weakness, of new life in the midst of destruction.

The birth of a child is perhaps the most universal and enduring symbol of hope for humanity. A newborn child does not present a threat or conflict. Similarly, a child does not contribute to military defence or help resolve problems in times of crisis. Nevertheless, a child is a sign of hope for a new generation.

This Christmas we will be reminded once again of the birth of a child, Jesus, the Emmanuel. He is a sign of hope to humanity in the midst of all the conflicts, injustices and divisions that are taking place in many parts of the world, and even in our nation. He comes as a child to remind us that God is with us and that to God, nothing is impossible.