Do Not Be Afraid: Joy | Lessons & Carols

This week in the Sanctuary, join the music ministry of FUMC Denton for a rousing and meaningful celebration of the season called “Lessons and Carols.” An in all services we gather around the story of Mary, who faced anxious decisions that affected her life, his family’s life, the baby she was called to raise, and, though she had no idea what hung in the balance, affect the course of human history. These weren’t small stakes! The anxiety and fear was valid and real.

But in face of that uncertainty, Mary chose hope. Mary has a vision of God’s “hesed” — steadfast love — that she trusted and hoped would bring liberation to both her and through her and the Christ child, to the whole of humanity. Becoming a parent to God’s child and all it entails, would demand of Mary incredible courage and inner strength. Being the parent to Jesus would require hope. But Mary taps into the promises of a loving God who has created, formed and redeemed her. Fear is displaced by joy, as Mary breaks into a song of praise (vv.6-55) to the One who faithfully fulfills God’s promises. Such is the power of God’s unwavering love! Mary’s joy is our joy when we too allow Christ to live in us and love through us.

Hope is hard to choose sometimes. But, like Mary, God is at work in us to help us choose hope and let that hope lead us to be part of God’s work changing the world. And the promise of the Advent is one of hope: that God is with us always, every twist and turn of our journey. Do not be afraid.

Join us this week in person or online as we learn from the story of Mary how we might choose hope in our own lives, finding courage and compassion in the God who is with us. And join us for all the great opportunities to observe Advent. You can find all upcoming in this newsletter or at fumcdenton.com/christmas.

**We had trouble with our livestream on Sunday morning and were not able to stream Mosaic Worship. You can still watch Don’s sermon in the Sanctuary Worship service or hear the worship music from our Modern band at Open. We are so sorry for any inconveniences this caused and are continuously working toward a seamless experience for you at home. Please join us again this Sunday for incredible worship on Christmas Eve, in person or online!