November 30, 2025: Advent 1: In the Time of Herod…
Luke 1: 5-13

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

Our Advent Series, "What Do Tou Fear? Insisting On Hope This Advent," draws from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Luke begins the story of Jesus with the line, "In the time of Herod..." This detail reveals a world of widespread oppression, economic inequality, uncertainty, and instability — a fearful world not so unlike our own. Yet, amidst this fear, the angels deliver a surprising message: "Do not fear."

In our time, we wonder: Is fearlessness possible in a fearful world? The Advent stories show that figures like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi did not deny their fears; they moved through them. They held fast to courage, trusted in the good news, and said, "Here I am, Lord." This season invites us to acknowledge our fears while insisting on hope.

The Sanctified Art series takes the angels' message seriously, trusting that Christ's birth is good news of great joy. It examines the terror of King Herod's time and encourages us to reflect on our own present-day fears. Fear can divide and paralyze us, but what if we changed our relationship with it? Can we acknowledge fear without letting it control us? Could we transform our fears into love and action? Naming our fears can help us see more clearly where God is breaking in and at work.

This series softly encourages us to recognize the presence of fear in both the Advent story and our lives while guiding us toward hope with the angels' voices serving as our ongoing reminder.

Every Advent, we light candles and pray because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because Christ did come — that is the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy; it is gritty, resilient, and endures no matter what we face. Let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.