Longing for Immanuel

The speaker begins by discussing the process of planning a Christmas series, which he starts thinking about months in advance. His wife suggests a theme of "longing," which immediately resonates with him and sparks an emotional reflection on the deep desire for Jesus seen throughout Scripture. The series will focus on Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, particularly from Isaiah 7, which highlights the theme of longing for Emmanuel. The speaker explains the historical setting of Isaiah, where Israel and Judah are divided, and Judah faces the threat of attack from Israel and Syria. King Ahaz of Judah, lacking faith and character, succumbs to fear and aligns with the evil Assyrian empire, even offering tribute from the temple to secure their protection. The speaker emphasizes how fear and adversity reveal one's character, citing examples from life, including marriage and personal struggles, where true character is exposed in times of difficulty. The narrative highlights the contrast between Ahaz's failure and the deeper longing for God's intervention and the coming of the Messiah.