READ: Isaiah 7:10-14
Key Scripture: Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman[b] who is pregnant will have a son and will name him "Immanuel"[c] (Isaiah 7:14).
REFLECTION
There is a story that was told, of a boat sailing across the sea in the time of the World War. This ship carried different men from different countries, going for mission somewhere. Somewhere along the trip, a huge storm arose. The water was rapidly filling the boat and everyone was in panic, but one group seemed not to notice the trouble. This group was in their room, singing and playing their harp and flute. Soon, the rest of the ship joined them in praising God. They reasoned, we are all going to die anyway, why not with a song on our lips? The storm raged, and they praised God for a long time until suddenly, a stillness descended upon them. The storm had ceased, and the boat did not sink! Immanuel means God is with us. When people pass through difficulties in their lives, they usually make the erroneous assumption that God is far away, but they forget that the teacher is always quiet during a test even though he is in the class with the students. God is still very close.