December 8, in talking about Words for a Frightened World, the word for the second week of Advent is Peace. We're going to talk about Joseph and the angel who also said to him those three words--Don't be afraid.

What is Joseph afraid of?

Humiliation, blame for something he didn’t do, destruction of his reputation, a future very different than the one he had planned, and also harm coming to Mary. A great deal of disruption might come to this small town whichever choice he makes, and he seems like a man who just wants a peaceful life.

Peace comes when we know our name, our past, and especially, our calling. And we know that God knows. It's not a cheap peace that ignores injustice and pain. It's a deep peace that grapples with who we are in God's world.

​We're talking about peace December 8. Won't you join us?

We began our advent series Sunday on Words for a Frightened World with the first advent theme of Hope.

Where do we find hope in a frightened world? The first person we meet in the Christmas story who is told not to be afraid is Zechariah. He's afraid of the angel, of course. He's also afraid that he will die without an heir, without a legacy and without security in his old age. We might not be able to relate to his need for an heir (not so much a big deal in our culture), but who can identify with a desire to leave a legacy of a meaningful life? Who doesn't worry about security once in a while (or a lot)?

Enter the One who is God with us. It's in the radical al with-ness of God that we find hope. The only God who promises to be with us in the dark places. The One who promises there is meaning to our lives. Hope in a frightened world comes from God's stubborn determination to be with us always.