Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Emmanuel means God with Us.

Isaiah makes this prophecy to King Ahaz of Judea. The prophecy continues, "He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on your ancestral house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria."

The Book of Matthew has an angel quote from this verse to reassure Joseph that the son of Mary has been selected for a great purpose. Matthew also goes to some length to demonstrate that Jesus - through Joseph - is descended from Ahaz and through Ahaz to David.

In each scripture the implications are paradoxical. The birth of a royal son - of most children - is a source of joy. But Isaiah connects the birth of the boy to a future invasion by Assyria. In the case of Matthew we know how the baby boy will end up. The meaning of Easter Sunday depends on the events of Good Friday.

We are promised that God is with us. This does not mean that all will be easy - curds and honey - but it does mean that whatever may come, we are not alone. When we are defeated, persecuted, or at death's door God is with us. In each of life's circumstances, God is beside us.

May we be willing to turn to God and listen for God in every context. I find it is easier to hear in defeat than in victory. Dear God, help me especially to listen when I am eating curds and honey.

You may listen to the aria and chorus from the Messiah including this verse and the following verses performed by the Peabody Institute Symphony and Chorus.

O thou, that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou, that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (Isaiah 40:9)

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:1)

Above is the Song of St. Joseph by Georges de La Tour.