Read Isaiah 7
Judah (Israel’s Southern Kingdom) was threatened by plans of invasion from Assyria and the Northern Kingdom. Caught in the political fracture were many powerless people. Wickedness infused itself into the culture of Israel. Because of this, Isaiah trembled in his vision of the Lord, saying, “I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” We read later, the hearts in Judah were shaken “as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” These powerless people had great need for redemption.
Isaiah prophesied to Ahaz that a sign of redemption would come — the virgin would conceive and bear a son, and call him “Immanuel.” Even though Judah eventually suffered invasion, Immanuel was a lasting hope for the powerless. Matthew 1:22-23 tells us that Immanuel was born among shepherds, the poor, and the displaced. He was born when the inn was full and the roads were filled with those who had no place to sleep. This was a divine embrace of humility.
The shepherds watched another night
The beggar found his sleep outside
And with them, in the stable laid
The richest love on Christmas Day
Immanuel was not just with us in proximity; he was with us in every respect of our likeness. He was worthy of all the earth’s riches, but chose the lowest estate. In his lowly birth, we can see the boundless reach of his love. His compassion shows that God chooses nearness to the powerless, poor, infringed, and vulnerable. In a real physical sense, God loves these people. What limit should such compassion have in our lives, if we have his mind (Phil 2:5)?
Lastly, his humility shows us a greater powerlessness in us, regardless of status, possessions, or influence. We are all powerless under sin. We sin by nature and are guilty of rebellion against God. Therefore, we need grace to lift us from the spiritual slums and place us into a kingdom where justice rules by mercy. We need a Savior because we have no power to deliver ourselves from sin. Though born among lowly men, Christ ultimately laid in that manger for powerless sinners: to “save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).
Our decorations, readings, calendars, and carols are all open doors to praise Immanuel and tell of his salvation to the powerless. May we all look to him by faith.
