降临节之四

称他为以马内利

——马太福音一章廿三节

“以马内利啊，他展开翅膀，遍满你的地。”这既是先知的呼求，又是先知所见的异象。

在洪水仍在泛滥的地方，以马内利啊，求你展开翅膀，佑护你的儿女免于没顶之灾！在饥馑仍在肆虐的地方，以马内利啊，求你展开翅膀，佑护你的儿女免于野有饿殍！在屠刀仍在流无辜之人血的地方，以马内利啊，求你展开翅膀，佑护你的儿女免于血流成河，尸横遍野！

以马内利啊，天上的飞鸟你尚且养活，你怎能忍心让那按你形象所造的人死于千里赤地？亚伯的血曾在地里向你哀告以致你要追究，你怎能容忍无辜之人的血至今仍被人所流？

以马内利啊，求你展开翅膀，遍满大地和大地上你所生养的儿女！

Advent 4

Matthew 1:23

 His name shall be called Immanuel

  “Its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” This was the cry of the prophet Isaiah, what he had seen in a vision.

  Where the waters of the river overflow its banks, I entreat you Immanuel, spread your wings and protect your children from the flood! Where famine yet rages, I entreat you, O Immanuel, spread your wings, protect your children from starvation! Where the butcher’s knife sheds the blood of innocents, I entreat you, O Immanuel, spread your wings, protect your children that their corpses shall not cover the wilderness!

  O Immanuel, you provide for the birds of the air, how can you allow humanity, created in your image, to die on the barren earth? Abel’s blood cried out to you from the earth, and you sought after him. Can you then allow the blood of innocents to be shed?

  O Immanuel, spread your wings, I entreat you, fill the breadth of your land and cover your children who dwell here!