Today’s Catholic Reflection
The passage opens with the Lord telling King Ahaz to ask for a sign. Ahaz declines, saying he does not want to test God. Isaiah then speaks to the house of David, showing his disappointment in their lack of faith. Despite this, God chooses to give a sign: a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us."
In the Gospel, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary in Nazareth. He tells her she will conceive a son named Jesus. This child will be the Son of the Most High and reign forever. Mary feels troubled by this news and wonders how it can happen since she is a virgin. The angel comforts her, explaining that the Holy Spirit will bring miracle. Mary accepts her role with faith, calling herself the handmaid of the Lord.