In this season of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the wonder of Christmas. This week, we will turn our attention to the Prophet Isaiah. Within his prophecy, we gain glimpses of what the Messiah would be like and signs that signaled the dawning of the Messianic Age. While there are more messianic prophesies than we will study, these six key texts will help us understand the hope and expectation of the coming Messiah.

Signs are a common part of life. They have different functions from clarity of direction as well as for identification. We are trained to look at signs. Yet, I’m sure you look for signs in the spiritual realm as well. For example, at the passing of a loved one, a clue of our beloved’s presence or the assurance of God being near, we seek signs to (re)assure us.

The Israelites longed for the sign of God’s coming. Is it any wonder that the first major sign would be wrapped around the birth of a Messiah? Read Isaiah 7:13-17. What is the sign of the Coming One? The key is the 14th verse. A child born to a virgin who will be called ‘Immanuel.’ That name says it all— ‘God with us.’ The sign we all seek is the unquestionable assurance that God is with us! And a newborn is the surest way to soften us to seeing more fully! May a heart of flesh awaken within, in order to see ‘God with you’ throughout this day!