Luke’s Gospel begins: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor, but it reveals the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, the angels deliver a suprising message: “Do not fear.” When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s story, they do not deny their fears—they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.”
Travel with us through Advent as we ask: is it possible to be fearless in a fearful world? Can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope?
This sermon series will be based on Sanctified Art’s Advent 2025 series, What do you fear?
Week 1, December 3
Text: Luke 1:5-13, Lamentations 3:55-57 Theme: We long for God to break in
Week 2, December 10
Text: Matthew 11:1-11, Isaiah 43:19-21 Theme: When we’re running out of hope, God is at work
Week 3, December 17
Text: Luke 1:26-39, Jeremiah 1:4-10
Theme: Even in our fear, we are called forward
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