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The Promise Containing All Promises

Sermon
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Isaiah 7:10-16
Matthew 1:18-25
R. Glen Miles
Between Gloom and Glory
First Lesson Sermons For Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
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