The Advent Calendar - Pt. 15

 

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!” (Isaiah 7:10-17 ESV).

 

The HMS Dreadnought, Brainchild of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Jacky Fisher, was commissioned in 1906, revolutionizing naval warfare. Her name, which became synonymous with “battleship,” was taken from the personal motto of Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord (professional head of the Royal Navy) Sir John “Jacky” Fisher. Admiral Jack was relentless in his pursuit of this radical new design. History remembers him well as it ultimately made the difference in WWI. Interestingly the name of this warship, “Dreadnaught,” comes from his speech in which he declared, “Fear God and Dread Nought” which simply means in that vernacular "Follow God and fear nothing". Perhaps that some advice we need to hear in our “war.”

 

So, let’s return to the prophecy of Isaiah for our reading today to focus on one of the principles God intended for Ahaz. I also believe it is a very important revelation to us in our current historical circumstance. Ahaz, then king of Judah, was terrified at the prospect of the threatening positions of foreign invaders. By the way, it is more than passing interest that Ahaz did not call for Isaiah for counsel.

 

It is so easy to believe that a “Merry Christmas” means a materialistic one. I realize that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone. There are empty chairs around the table this year in what seems a senseless attack by a nearly invisible enemy. Those things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness, because they evoke memories of times spent together. Therefore, Christmas becomes a difficult time for some. There are many others who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don’t need a Christmas present; they need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents. The message of Christmas is: “God will be with you. God will help you. God will strengthen you.” Like Admiral Jacky… Fear God and Dreadnaught! Immanuel has come!