These artists transform the wall from something that imprisons to something that gives life—signs of Immanuel. Meditations on the lessons for Advent, reflecting on the witness
These artists transform the wall from something that imprisons to something that gives life—signs of Immanuel.
Meditations on the lessons for Advent, reflecting on the witness of the Lutherans in Bethlehem
Advent 4, December 18, 2016
For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
It is a time of great anxiety for the tiny kingdom of Judah. Their northern neighbor Israel attacks, to force King Ahaz into an alliance against Assyria. At this particular moment, Ahaz and the people of Judah are terrified (“the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind”). Ahaz thinks he should ally with the more powerful Assyria for protection.
Isaiah tells
Ahaz that he does not needto fear—even if Israel and Syria prevail, their rule will be short-lived, only the few years it takes for a child to know her/his own mind. Say, age two?
In this time of terror, Isaiah gives assurance of God’s protection through a sign—a child whose name will be “God with us,” Immanuel. Th
e child is a symbol of Judah’s salvation, Judah’s hope for the future. But Ahaz does not want a sign; he wants military protection, not God’s interference. Ahaz puts his trust in weapons and soldiers, not God’s promises.
Even today, the child Immanuel reminds us that amid the terrors of the world, the threats of military annihilation, the balancing of allies, the danger of terrorist attacks, God is still with us. Terrorism does not last; God’s promises do.
Trust in God’s promises is a theme we have heard repeatedly in our readings for Advent. Ponder God’s promises as you look at some of the artwork on the wall that surrounds Bethlehem. These artists transform the wall from something that imprisons to something that gives life—signs of Immanuel.
God of all hope, your steadfast love sustains and supports your people—throughout all generations. Helps us remember your faithfulness in our own struggles. Amen.