ニューイングランドの母校からアドベントの便り、その11
2016 Gordon-Conwell
Advent Devotional | Day 11 | Hope in Immanuel- God with Us
Matthew 1:23
The promise of God’s presence is like a golden thread that weaves its way intricately through the pages of the Old Testament—at times being even too glorious for apprehension, while at other times amidst Israel’s darkest hours, it is set forth as the hope of Israel, seen only dimly on the far horizon. Matthew’s account of the birth of the Messiah resounds with this enduring hope of Israel, recalling the prophetic witness of Isaiah to the undeserving King Ahaz (Isaiah 7:14). Yet what was given in the shadow of obscurity is now unveiled in its full weight of glory through the light of the gospel. Matthew’s announcement— that the Son born to Mary was to be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)—makes the staggering claim that the Divine Presence has now returned in Jesus. As we celebrate this season of Advent, we are encouraged to remember that the hope of God’s presence has come—Jesus dwells among us. Whatever circumstances we may be facing, and no matter how dark the road may seem at times, we are not without God in this world. The hope that was before Israel has arrived. Jesus dwells in our midst through his Spirit. His presence gives us hope today—hope for our families, our marriages, our places of work, and for our world. Let us rejoice with the ancient hymn writer:
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
Dr. Carol Kaminski
Professor of Old Testament
