God in his goodness and kindness spoke words of truth and hope to the king. He even invited King Ahaz to ask for a sign (verse 11). God said, “it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”

Ahaz went all pretentiously pious and replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the LORD,” (verse 12). King Ahaz tried the patience of people and God (verse 13). 

Maybe we should not be too hard on him. After all, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened,” (Matthew 7:7, 8). 

How frequently do we ask, seek, and knock? 

King Ahaz would not ask for a sign. God gave him one anyway. “See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” God’s word to Ahaz was that his current problem would cease to be a problem in a few months. In fact, this promise would be doubly fulfilled. Turn to Matthew 1:23, 24 for the rest of the story.

Joseph is pondering how to put away his wife to be when God interrupted and explained the situation (Matthew 1:20, 21). Verses 22 and 23 declare the double fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. Verse 24 tells us the meaning of the name Immanuel: “God with us.”
We can thank God for how he comes to us when we cannot in our own strength get to him. Christmas is the love, grace, and mercy of God on full display for all to see. 

Every baby is a reminder there is hope and a future for those who know God. Our Father in heaven’s most precious gift came the way we all arrived. Jesus was a prophecy fulfilled, a promise kept.