Do Not Be Afraid: Peace

This week, we gather around the story of Jospeh, who faced anxious decisions that affected his life, his fiancé’s life, the baby they would raise together, and, though he 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 God, in responding to the reality of the situation, called Joseph from the fearful responses of fight or flight, to choose faithful love. In the midst of paralyzing uncertainty, God did not give Jospeh a map that outlined what his journey would be. God gave Joseph something so much greater: a compass and a promise. The compass was the guiding call to faithful love could chart his course no matter the circumstances. And the promise was the Advent hope: that God is with us always, every twist and turn of our journey.

Jesus is the embodiment of the compass and the promise. Following Jesus charts our course toward faithful love, giving us direction in even the most complex circumstances. And Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise — Emmanuel, God with us. Because of Jesus, we can hear the divine whisper, comforting and empowering: “Do not be afraid.”

Join us this week in person or online as we learn from the story of Joseph how we might follow the compass in our own lives, finding peace and courage and the comfort of God 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 at 9 am!