The With-ness of God

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.