Insisting on Hope this Advent

“In the time of Herod.”

The opening words of Luke’s gospel might seem unimportant, but they paint a picture of the world Jesus was born into. A world filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world in which there was plenty to fear.

And yet, when we read the rest of the story, we hear the angels repeat another phrase, “Do not fear.” “Do not fear” the angel says to Mary, then to Joseph. “Do not fear,” the angels say to the shepherds and the magi.

Is it even possible to be fearless in a fearful world?

I would usually be quick to say no. But when I read the Christmas story each year, I am reminded that even when there was plenty to fear Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi heard the message of the angels, took it seriously and chose to enter God’s story.

They chose to be fearless even when there was plenty to fear. The don’t deny their fears – they move though them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.”

As I’ve prepared for Advent this year, I’ve found myself wondering, when we find ourselves in fearful times, can we too acknowledge our fears while still insisting on hope?

The truth is, we still live in a world in which there is plenty to fear. And yet, the angels are still whispering the same surprising message: “Do not fear.”

Maybe we need Advent more than ever. Because the angels’ message is true and Christ’s birth truly is good news of great joy for all people.

And so, this Advent we will light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come—that’s the promise of the season.

Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure—no matter what we fear or face.

May we insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear. I hope you’ll join us!

Grace and peace,

Kimmy