December 21, 2025: Advent 4: When You’re Afraid, Give Me Your Hand
Matthew 1: 18-25

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

"Give me your hand" might challenge how we usually respond to fear, but what if fear can build connection instead of causing separation? Joseph faces his fears of rejection and shame to stand beside Mary, protecting her from harm. Their bond makes them both stronger. We don't fulfill our callings alone — our collective thriving depends on each person embracing their calling despite fears. How can we support each other? Where can we reach out when fear makes us feel isolated? When do we need to accept an outstretched hand? And can we, like Joseph, use our power and privilege to stand in solidarity with those whose lives are at risk?

In our theme this week, we're exploring the directive, "give me your hand" from multiple perspectives. We might imagine Joseph speaking these words to Mary, with Mary offering them back in return. We could imagine God whispering this to us, and us saying it aloud to someone in need of solidarity and support. "Give me your hand" functions both as a plea for help and a gesture of support; living in mutuality means that sometimes we are the ones in need and other times we are the ones offering aid.

The goal this week is to prevent fear from dividing and isolating us, instead using it as a catalyst for connection. Many of you, sitting in the pews or listening from home, may see yourselves as those in need of an outstretched hand. Still, I also want to take this message further by emphasizing our responsibility to our neighbors. Action, risk, and solidarity are essential parts of Christian love. How can we use our power and privilege to stand with others? When it's tempting to turn away and isolate ourselves, let us instead embody Joseph's humility, tenacity, and courage by extending an outstretched hand.

"Keeping Vigil for Hope through the Longest Night": On December 21, 2025, at 5 p.m., we will hold the ecumenical Longest Night service here at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where we will create a space to acknowledge difficult emotions during the holiday season, especially fears about the world. The service will be in the sanctuary and on Zoom.

December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve at 5pm: Good News Is Louder Than Fear
Luke 2: 1-20

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

The Christmas season can be filled with sentimental images of Mary, gentle and mild, holding a calm, sleepy Jesus. But the host of angels proclaims to the skies,"Glory to God in the highest!" What would it look like for us to proclaim the good news loudly, with overflowing joy? In a world that weaponizes fear, where algorithms decide what gets importance, what gets circulated, and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news like the shepherds running into the streets of Bethlehem. In a world where good news never feels loud enough to drown out fear, let us shout with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!"

Good news is louder than fear! In the story of Jesus' birth, good news breaks through fear and appears boldly in a chorus of angelic voices: "Glory to God! Peace on earth!" In the nativity story, good news doesn't come in a quiet whisper, a constellation of stars, the smoke of incense, or even a foggy dream. The good news is loud, clear, and unstoppable. For this is a holy night, but not a silent one; the good news of great joy for all people will not be silenced.

Join us for candlelight and good news at 5 PM in the sanctuary and livestreamed.

January 4, 2026: Fear Doesn't Stop Us
Matthew 23-12,16-18

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we conclude our Advent/Christmas series, Herod remains in power, Christ is born, yet it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give up is strong, especially in the face of violence. But the magi don't let Herod's fear-driven demands stop them from honoring the newborn Christ or returning home by a different way. They model for us what it looks like to be led by hope, moving through fear without letting it paralyze us.

As this series ends and a new year begins, we proclaim our journey continues, and fear won't have the last word.

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.