A sign from the Lord (Isaiah 7-8)

I think it's really cool that we're reading Isaiah right around Christmastime because the prophecy from God that is spoken of in Isaiah 7 is specifically about Christ's birth.  How did the prophet know so long before it happened that Jesus would have his advent to earth?  God told him.  That's a pretty simple answer, but the result of the prophecy is a pretty profound reality.  The very nature of his name, "Immanuel," means that God is with us.  He sent His son to be with us.  He gave us an example; He showed us what this life was meant to be – something radically different from the lifestyle that people were living.  I am so glad for the sign, and I am also glad for Isaiah's faithfulness in reporting God's message… a message of hope for us even still today… that Immanuel would come to earth.  God would be with us… God is with us.  If that's not a reason to rejoice, I don't know what is.