The Immanuel image. In Old Testament days, King Ahaz is given the sign of Immanuel (a child born with that name) to draw him to faith instead of fear. Centuries later, in a far greater way, God gives humanity the sign of Immanuel in Jesus, to bring us out of fear into faith.

We look to Christ for hope.

Isaiah speaks of the salvation that God will bring through the Messiah, and urges us to “give thanks.”

What seems dead and dried up can be revived. The Valley of Dry Bones image is a powerful image of resurrection, speaking not only of resurrection to life eternal but of a spiritual revival in the here and now.

What we keep for ourselves is lost, what we give for God’s purposes endures. Haggai calls the people to stop just focusing on their own houses and to “build God’s house.” The people respond with commitment.

“All flesh is grass,” says Isaiah, “but the word of our God will stand forever.” All things are passing. The prophets call us to ground ourselves on what endures – on God and God’s promises.