What is is that Immanuel shall bring to mankind?

What is it that Immanuel shall bring to mankind?

We must first look at what humanity has placed before God that cries for redemption, seeks forgiveness, and crawls before the mercy of God.  

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.  For every boot that trampled in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.  For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.  They call him Wonder-Counsler, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.  His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.  From David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains;  By judgement and justice, both now and forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.  (Is 9: 1, 4 - 6).  

Within these words from Isaiah come the very essence of what his rule will become as he is the sprout of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.  (Is 11: 1).  

As we enter the second week of Advent our attention must move our concern for what is taking place in 2025.  You might ask, “What does all of this information that seemed appropriate for the eighth century B.C. have in the 21st Century A.D?  While the Church uses these readings to exemplify just what we are using to bring the hope from antiquity to our current need for that same hope, it is here that the meaning of the Incarnation will prove itself the closer we get to the Nativity and the words of the angels to the shepherds;  “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.”  (Lk 2: 11).

It is impossible to close our eyes to what is happening daily from far-left politics that promises the same outcome that the prophets preached against and prophesied the promise of God to redeem mankind.  However, from antiquity we welcomed Christ the Lord as God’s plan to redeem us.  That was his first coming.  His second coming will not be mercy.  This is why the hope of the Nativity is our last chance to share in the coming of the Lord that we anticipate with hope and his love for us who might not understand these readings.

Ralph B. Hathaway