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“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

This prophecy was given to King Ahaz before the imminent invasion of Assyria in 734BC. Ahaz could not comprehend the word since he had ignored and disobeyed many previous signs and words from God given through His prophet Isaiah.

The virgin in the prophecy was Jerusalem, the labour referred to the Assyrian invasion and the son, Immanuel, was the faithful remnant of people, birthed from the destruction of Jerusalem. This faithful remnant were people who believed and obeyed the signs from God.

Immanuel means ‘God With Us’, a sign and reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy and hope. The sign is also a promise for us today, the ultimate fulfilment of God’s good purposes for His people. For those who would believe and follow in the ultimate Immanuel, Jesus Christ.

The Magi in contrast to King Ahaz showed obedience and a heart to see and hear signs from God. They saw and followed the star; a sign from God that pointed to the prophesied Messiah, Jesus Christ.

As we start this new year, let us, like the Magi, commit to know the Scripture that points to and reveal Jesus. The Scripture that changes our hearts and open our eyes. Let us stay vigilant to watch, listen and obey. Let us recognise Jesus for who He is, ‘God With Us’, to bow down and worship him and give him our lives.