12/21/25

Advent 25 WK4- Love

Isaiah 7:10–14 NIV

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” 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? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Week 4 – Love: “Immanuel — God With Us”

Text: Isaiah 7:10-14

Theme: God’s love takes flesh in the promise of Immanuel.

I. The Crisis of Faith (vv 10-12)

Isaiah 7:10–12 NIV

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

King Ahaz faces invasion; God offers a sign of reassurance.

Ahaz refuses out of false piety — love offers, but fear resists.

II. The Promise of a Sign (vv 13-14)

Isaiah 7:13–14 NIV

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? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

God gives a sign anyway: “The young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”

Love acts even when uninvited — grace initiates.

III. The Meaning of Immanuel

“God with us” — the heart of Advent.

Love is not distant or abstract; it’s incarnate.

The sign given to Ahaz becomes the salvation given to the world (fulfilled in Matthew 1:23).

IV. Love’s Assurance

God’s presence is the antidote to fear.

When we cannot trust our circumstances, we can trust His companionship.

V. Application – Living as Loved People

How do we embody Immanuel-love this Christmas?

In our families (presence over perfection)

In our community (compassion over criticism)

In our faith (trust over fear)