Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 41:5-10 (NRSV)

The theme for the fourth week of Advent is “When you’re afraid, give me your hand!” “Give me your hand” might be counter to how we usually respond to fear, but what if fear can result in connection instead of isolation? Joseph moves through his fears 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— like the people of Israel in Isaiah’s time, our communal flourishing depends on each person stepping into their calling despite their fear. The Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee describes the power of community in this way:

Advent invites us not simply to “be not afraid,” but to act with love in the midst of fear. Not to fix everything, but to show up with courage. To reach out and say: “Give me your hand.” … God’s work in the world unfolds not through lone heroes, but through the joined hands of those who choose relationship over self-protection, accompaniment over certainty, and presence over perfection. Mary’s “yes” mattered. So did Joseph’s. So did Isaiah’s. So does ours. Today, and every day, we’re not asked to fix the world. We’re asked to take each other’s hands and walk forward into it—together. (Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, Sanctified Art)

Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804