What do you fear? Week Three

Affirmation of Faith
What do you fear?
We have seen the valley.
We have seen a sky without stars.
We have seen the longest night,
and still we believe.
We believe in a with-us God.
We believe in the hope of tomorrow.
We believe that good news is louder than fear.
We believe this good news is for all people.
So even when our knees shake,
even when our voice trembles,
even when fear is all around us,
we will hold onto that good news.
We will reach for each other.
We will look for God in our midst.
We will sing songs of joy.
We will proclaim:
Unto us, love is born.
We have seen the longest night,
and we have seen unimaginable love.
So still, we believe.
Amen.

Scripture – just click on the link below
Luke 1: 26-39; Jeremiah 1: 4-10 as in NRIV

Commentary on Luke 1: 26-39 and Jeremiah 1:4-10
by Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee

Mary’s story resonates with the call of the prophet
in Jeremiah 1:4–10.
“I am only a boy,” Jeremiah protests, gripped by
the fear that he is too young to speak for God.
Like Mary, he hesitates—aware that answering
the call will come at a cost.
And like her, he hears these words of reassurance:
“Do not be afraid . . . I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8).
What connects them is not a lack of fear,
but a deep, trembling resolve to move forward
anyway—not with certainty, but with open hands
and the courage to say yes, even in the unknown.

But Mary and Jeremiah model a different courage:
the courage to ask questions,
to hesitate,
to need more time,
to take just one uncertain step.
And they do not walk alone.
After her yes, Mary runs to Elizabeth,
who meets her with joy and affirmation:
“Blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:42).
Elizabeth becomes confirmation and community.
This too is part of calling—
we are not meant to walk forward alone.
God calls us not only to action,
but to become fully ourselves.
Fear doesn’t disqualify us—it’s part of the process.
And God promises to walk with us, every
trembling step.
This Advent, we ask:
What fear are you carrying?
What invitation are you resisting because you
feel inadequate?
What would it mean to say yes—not fearlessly,
but faithfully?
Mary’s words can become our own:
“Let it be with me.”

Benediction
In a fearful world,
may you look for God’s spirit.
May you reach for each other’s hands.
May you choose courage whenever you can.
And in all things, may you remember
that good news is louder than fear.
In the name of the one who calls,
the one who sends,
and the one who journeys with—
go in peace and
be not afraid.
Amen.