Giving voice to our weariness, grief, and longing for God to restore what is broken. Crying out in lament is a vital act of faith—faith that God hears us and can plant hope within our pain.

Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19; Isaiah 64:1–9

When the path ahead feels overwhelming or unclear, we trust that we can simply show up at the water's edge and take the first step toward repentance and a new way of living.

Mark 1:1–8; Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13

Like John the Baptist and Isaiah, we are called to bear witness—speaking up against injustice and testifying to the truth of where we see God at work in the world.

John 1:6–8, 19–28; Isaiah 61:1–4

What if fear can result in connection instead of isolation? Joseph sets aside his fear of rejection and shame in order to stand in solidarity with Mary, shielding her from harm. Their bond makes them each stronger. We don’t live out our callings in isolation—our communal flourishing depends on each person stepping into their calling despite their fear. How can we offer support to one another? And can we use our power and privilege, like Joseph, to stand in solidarity with people whose lives are at risk?

Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 41:5-10

The Christmas season can be filled with saccharine images of Mary, meek and mild, with a quiet, sleepy Jesus in her arms. But the host of angels shouts 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 weight and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news. 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!”

Luke 2:1-20

The holy family fears for their safety and for their child’s life, like so many refugees around the world. Their valid fears motivate them to move—and so they seek refuge in Egypt until it is safe for them to return home. Instead of trying to push fear away, what if we used it as fuel? What if we harnessed that incredible source of energy for good, fighting for a world where no one fears for their safety? Utilizing our fear wisely not only helps others; taking concrete action also interrupts the fear that so easily paralyzes us.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

As we end the series, Herod is still in power. Christ is born, but 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 you. As this series ends and a new year begins, we proclaim: our journey continues, and fear won’t have the last word.

Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18