Prophet Isaiah had us revisit the ordeal of King Ahaz who was perturbed by the demands of the kingdom of Syria and Israel to battle against Assyria. Ahaz refused. Then, the two kingdoms planned to attack Judah instead. In a turmoil, King Ahaz was asked to seek God’s divine intervention in a sign. However, he refused because he trusted his own ability. It was then that Prophet Isaiah proclaimed that God’s abiding presence and rule would be through a woman who would bear a child whose name would be Emmanuel, which means God-is-with-us.

As we ponder, women, with the birth of a child, are in danger in time of impending war, But now, the sign that Prophet Isaiah foretold is more enduring and lasting. St Augustine had profound insight on the birth of a child - every child born into the world is a sign that God has not given up on man. Hence, we should regard with reverence that every new birth is God’s marvel to remedy the crooked line of our history.

Now, the annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel and Mary's Magnificant become marvellous events that changed our human history in the birth of a child under inconceivable circumstances. In adverse situations, our hope is passed on through living stories and promises. The dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and Mary showcases the open and receptive communication between God and man now reconciled, rectifying human’s refusal to submit to God’s divine intervention.