Some Christmas Eve services go like this: You and your fellow members start preparing for the biggest service of the church year in November. The choir puts in extra hours of practice. Sunday School kids, or the congregation’s grade-schoolers, first mangle and finally memorize their passages. The sanctuary gets a Christmas makeover. Invites are designed and printed. Doors are knocked, pavement pounded. So much effort is invested in this one service, because it is an event that draws the unchurched, the drifting, and the doubting back through the church doors.

Christmas Eve finally arrives. The service goes flawlessly. The kids were cute, but not too cute. The tiny choir sounded angelic. But, oh the disappointment! Whole pews were empty. You wonder, was it really worth all the effort?

Well, let’s ask the angels, shall we? On that first Christmas Eve, God didn’t send a barbershop quartet to the shepherds. He sent thousands of messengers—an angel army! An army to announce peace. An army to erupt in praise. Their glorias shook the sky. But now check out the angels’ audience. They weren’t much to look at. There was just a handful of them. They weren’t strategic members of society who would bolster the angels’ outreach efforts. They were shepherds—smelly, scruffy, sidelined. But the size and social connections of their audience did not dismay the angels. That’s because their praise had nothing to do with their audience and everything to do with their God of grace. He had gifted earth with his Son, and the angels simply couldn’t contain their praise.

This Christmas, as you prepare to share the awesome story of Jesus’ birth with your community, don’t think about who or how many will be in your pews. Chances are many seats will stand empty in the continued pandemic. But God’s peace was won for that guy in the stained coat, sitting by himself with his head down. The end of fear was won for that small but faithful row of widows in the back. Heavenly joy was won for that neighborhood kid who wandered in because he saw the pretty lights. God’s grace was won for you.

So, prepare to share the wonderful message of a Savior with whoever comes to hear. Keep your heart fixed on God’s amazing gift—and you simply won’t be able to contain your praise.

Angels appear several times in Luke’s account of the Christmas story, and each time they are greeted by the opposite of peace. Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear, Mary was greatly troubled, and the shepherds were terrified—or “sore afraid” if you prefer the King James Version. These emotions are completely understandable. Angels are holy messengers of a holy God, and sinful human beings have no right to stand in the presence of these heavenly beings or hear the tidings they came to proclaim.

But the first words of assurance spoken by the angels powerfully convey the emotion they sought to instill in Zechariah and Mary and the shepherds: “Do not be afraid.” The message the angels brought that first Christmas was a message of peace, not fear. On the surface, the circumstances surrounding that first Christmas night were anything but peaceful. Mary gave birth to her baby far from home and in unfamiliar surroundings. The Roman government controlled Israel and was not always supportive of Jewish customs and practices. In the near future, Herod would murder the baby boys of Bethlehem to eliminate a perceived challenger to his throne. According to the world’s definition, these were not peaceful times.

Although the world did not recognize it, the birth of this child did bring peace. Ever since the fall into sin, God’s creatures had rebelled against him. By their thoughts, words, actions, and their very existence, they stood in opposition to a just and holy God. The animal sacrifices prescribed by the law could not restore the broken relationship between God and his people. A perfect sacrifice was needed, and that perfect sacrifice was born that night in Bethlehem. Through his death on the cross—the ultimate act of violence—he brought peace and reconciled God and man once more.

Today our world is full of conflict and devoid of peace. From quarrels with those we love to large-scale acts of violence, from worry and strife about the small everyday things to global illness and disease that have turned our lives upside down, peace is sometimes the farthest thing from our minds. We don’t have an angel telling us “don’t be afraid,” but we do have a peace that comes from the Spirit-worked faith in our hearts. We are no longer enemies of God but now are his dearly loved children. No matter what struggle and turmoil we encounter on this earth, we know that the day is coming when we will be at peace forever in heaven. And until that day, we can take comfort in God’s promise that he will work everything for our good—a promise that brings peace even in the midst of conflict and strife.

This peace is not just the absence of trouble and anxiety. It is a way of life, a peace that permeates every fiber of our being, a peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that reminds us God is in control of every aspect of our lives, even during the most difficult circumstances. It is a peace that a lost and despairing world around us desperately needs. It is a peace too marvelous to keep to ourselves—a peace we are compelled to share with others.

Where do you put Joseph when you set up your nativity scene?

At our house, Joseph always stands slightly behind Mary, gazing at the Christ-Child. He is much less eye-catching than the Wise Men (who, by the way, don’t really belong there since they arrived sometime after Jesus’ birth). In fact, he almost blends in with the shepherds and stable animals.

But Matthew gives us a clear and very distinct picture of Joseph. We meet him in the midst of a heart-wrenching situation. And as we get a glimpse of Joseph’s heart, we see a man of faith.

Joseph’s intention to divorce Mary quietly is meant to spare her the disgrace and aftermath of unfaithfulness. Assuming their marriage vows had been broken, Joseph moved to bring the matter to an end—without accusations or publicity.

Then God intervened.

The angel calmed Joseph’s fears and assured him Mary was still pure. He was chosen as Jesus’ earthly father and Joseph willingly responded in a demonstration of strong faith, humble willingness, and continued obedience. This godly man is an encouragement and faithful example for us even today.

We watch Joseph follow God’s commands and see how faithfully God led and blessed him. We grasp a small glimpse of what it means to glorify God and live as part of his family. We see how God works in the life of Joseph, and delight watching this courageous believer listen to God’s Word and trust its promises. Joseph doesn’t just teach us about following Jesus—he teaches us how much we need Jesus as our Savior!

It is humbling for us to remember that God appoints redeemed sinners to do amazing tasks—many of which look like simple, daily living. And this is where we can follow Joseph’s pattern with our gaze fixed on the Savior hour by hour. Joseph served God by raising Jesus. Too often we are tempted to think that being spiritually strong means standing out or leading loudly. But we can do it quietly and faithfully in our homes. What a blessing when a home has a strong spiritual leader that guides and teaches those he loves! But there are loving, Christian homes without a “Joseph.” Christ is present in homes where there is faith! Each one of us has the Christ-child, not to put out in our nativity set—but to save our souls! The Lord Jesus lives as an ever-present strength in our hearts and homes. We can all live in daily, thankful obedience for the gift of grace—just like Joseph.

Whatever your home looks like, or wherever Joseph stands in your nativity scene, focus on the Christ-child. He is the One who came to forgive your sins and draw you to himself in Word and sacrament. Gaze on his holiness to guide your daily living.

Shattered. Everything Joseph was expecting was no longer true. Mary was pregnant. He knew the baby wasn’t his. While we are told later in the text that God sent an angel to reassure Joseph that the baby was in fact conceived by the Holy Spirt, we aren’t told exactly how Joseph found out Mary was pregnant. We can only imagine the assumptions made and the hurt that must have existed on both sides of the conversation. How could Mary do this to him? Did she not know what could happen to her? What about the plans they had made?

Joseph was ready to end the relationship and quietly divorce Mary in hopes of saving her public humiliation. Some of us might find it difficult to relate to Joseph. Perhaps we are more likely to side with Mary. After all, why wouldn’t Joseph believe her? How could he assume she was with another man?

How often have we made assumptions based on what we’ve seen or heard? How often have our thoughts gone to worst case scenario, or even judgment, about the way others are living?

Social media allows us to be instantly connected to friends and family, but it’s easy to take things people post out of context. It’s easy to read what someone somewhere is posting and assume it’s true without considering the source. Biases are created based on one or two comments. Sometimes we’re even left wondering, “Can I even be friends with this person? How can they believe such things?”

We encounter trouble with social media when we base our opinion of someone solely on our virtual interactions. Let’s face it, we would never dare to be so bold if we were conversing face to face with them. If we are not careful, instead of bringing us together, our interactions on social media may actually pull us further apart. Suddenly, like Mary and Joseph, we find ourselves on two very opposite sides; hurt, disillusioned, and wondering what went wrong.

Thankfully, God mended the divide between Mary and Joseph when he sent an angel to Joseph and told him the truth. Mary wasn’t unfaithful; she was pregnant with God’s Son! This changed everything. What seemed to be a scandalous situation became the event that would change the course of history for God’s people, the birth of our Savior.

God can also mend the division in our own stories. Because of his overwhelming grace and love shown to us, we too can share that kind of love with others. Christ’s love can motivate us to find other ways to nurture and heal our relationships. Perhaps a phone call or a handwritten note to a family member you haven’t seen in a while. Or maybe an email or text to let someone know you are thinking of them. Regardless, these simple things this Christmas season can do big things to bring new life to your relationships.

A teenaged relative shows up on your doorstep unannounced, and she’s unmarried and pregnant. What to do? Elizabeth has the answer—welcome her, bless her, encourage her, then offer your home as hers for as long as needed!

We have often heard the story of Elizabeth’s prophetic greeting and the baby John “leaping in her womb.” How wonderful Elizabeth’s prophetic words must have been to this young woman still pondering an astounding message from an amazing angel messenger! Elizabeth’s words confirmed Gabriel’s—Elizabeth herself was with child and Mary was to be the mother of the Savior of the world! Mary responded with the exuberant song of praise we still sing today!

We don’t often focus on Elizabeth’s generous hospitality. Three months! That’s a long time to shelter and care for a young woman in her first, perhaps rocky, months of pregnancy while in the last trimester of your own geriatric pregnancy. This time also gave the much older Elizabeth the opportunity to spiritually mentor this young mother, to build her up before she had to face a confused Joseph, possibly judgmental family and friends, a long journey to Bethlehem, a less than normal birth experience, a flight to Egypt… What a sanctuary God provided for Mary!

Elizabeth’s abundant hospitality was unplanned and Spirit-led, a definite blessing for Mary and an example for us. How can we be an Elizabeth to the Marys around us? In normal times, hospitality sounds like welcoming family to your home, friendly neighborhood gatherings, hosting sleepovers or holiday dinners. Now everything has changed, and many of these congenial ways must be reconsidered. Are we to abandon all hope of hospitality?

Although hospitality may look different today, there are still many (and perhaps more) ways to serve. Keep your eyes and ears open for unexpected opportunities. Can you host a weekly virtual “dinner” with extended family to uplift and encourage? Can you pack an open-air picnic for friends? Can you drop off a doorstep meal for a family in need? Can you send a card or make a phone call to a lonely senior or sick member from your church? Is there a food bank that needs donations? Is there an international college student who suddenly goes online and needs a home?

Mary may have stayed with Elizabeth until John’s birth. Undoubtedly, Mary not only enjoyed her relative’s kindheartedness, but also proved to be a blessing to her. As we focus on others, not ourselves, we also will be blessed—with a more loving heart, more flexibility, patience, understanding and empathy. And, most importantly, these gifts of hospitality may give us the even greater opportunity to welcome others to God’s heavenly home through his generous gift of Jesus.

Romans 12:13 says, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” May God give us opportunities, strength, and resources to open our hearts and homes like Elizabeth to a world desperately in need of hospitality!

“We’ll get through Covid, I guess. But I figure eventually some superbug will crop up and wipe us all out, and that will be the end of life on earth.”

I had been making small talk with the assistant manager at our local cell phone store while he fixed my phone. The conversation soon turned to the rising case counts in our area. That was when his eyes locked onto mine above his camouflage face mask, and he shared his theory about the end of the world.

He looked down again and continued swiping through screens. I collected my thoughts and said a quick prayer. “I believe, too, that our world has an end date.” I said. “It won’t be due to a virus, though. God has set that end date. It will be when Jesus comes again.”

The Holy Spirit had opened an opportunity for me to be God’s prophet, telling the truth of God’s Word to a stranger in my path.

God has not abandoned us to a world of scary diseases, case counts, and death. He has remained faithful to us, even though our first ancestors’ rebellion against him is the very reason that earth is no longer the paradise that he intended for us.

God still loves us. He did not leave us to be destroyed by our own sin. Two thousand years ago, he sent Jesus to our corrupt earth, to rescue us through the most humble service imaginable. Jesus lived a perfect life in our place and paid the penalty for our rebellion on the cross.

Then God the Father elevated Jesus, giving him all power and authority over everything in heaven and on earth. Jesus, both Judge and King, will return in triumph! He will make public the verdict that the Holy Spirit has already confirmed in our hearts. We are covered by the Judge’s own perfection. We are not guilty!

Then our Judge will condemn and do away with all that corrupts and kills and destroys. These will never hurt us again. We will share in his victory over sin and death, made sinless ourselves. We will be with him in a new heaven and earth, freed from the chains of corruption and decay (Romans 8:20). Unspoiled forever, this new world will rejoice, and we will celebrate with it.

Take a moment today to read Psalm 96. Sing “Joy to the World,” based in part on this psalm. Meditate on the love and faithfulness of God in sending Jesus at Christmas, and in promising that he will come again.

Then go out in confidence as God’s own prophets, chosen and equipped to be his truth-tellers. The people whom God puts in your path are wondering—and worrying—about disease, about dying, about the future of life on earth.

We know the future through God’s revealed Word. We have the truth that dispels all anxiety. This Advent, let us speak up with that joyful truth.