Advent 2025

This Advent sermon series invites us to step into Luke’s opening words, “In the time of Herod,” and discover the deeper reality of the world Jesus was born into — a world marked by oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and fear, not so unlike our own. Yet woven through the nativity story is a powerful refrain from the angels: “Do not fear.” As Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi each respond to God’s call, they do not ignore their fears; instead, they move through them with courage, trust, and faithful surrender. This series explores the very real fear and terror present during King Herod’s reign and invites us to reflect on the fears we carry today — fears that can divide, paralyze, and even be used as tools of oppression. What if, instead of allowing fear to rule us, we learned to name it, face it, and transform it into love and faithful action? Through worship, scripture, and reflection, we will discover how God breaks into even the most fearful moments with hope that is gritty, resilient, and alive. This season, we insist on hope, trusting that the good news of Christ’s birth is greater than any fear we face.