Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Fear didn’t stop the Christmas story—it set it in motion. In Matthew’s Gospel, the Holy Family becomes refugees, fleeing violence and unjust power. This is the hard truth of Christmas: the manger shines with promise, but the world around it is still dangerous. And yet, God is present—guiding, protecting, and transforming fear into movement. Not all fear is the same. Herod’s fear clings to power and destroys. Joseph’s fear is rooted in love—and it leads to courage, protection, and justice. When grounded in love, fear becomes energy: a fire that fuels compassion and solidarity. As we continue our Advent series What do you fear? Insisting on hope, we’re invited to ask not only what we fear, but whose fear we are called to notice. Where might God be calling us to protect, to welcome, to act? Emmanuel does not promise a world without danger—but God promises to be with us, even when we’re running.
#FireForJustice #Emmanuel #GodWithUs #AdventHope #FromFearToLove #JusticeAndCompassion #HolyFamily #RefugeesWelcome #FaithInAction #WhatDoYouFear #InsistingOnHope #SundaySermon #SundayWorship #UMC #NewHopeUMC
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