Joseph’s Humble, Courageous “Yes!” to God

ALOHA! As we come to the Fourth and final Sunday of Advent, our season of waiting grows quieter and more expectant. The frantic lists and bright lights may be even more frantic and bright, but the church invites us to lean closer now, to listen for something deeper and truer. This is the Sunday of Joseph’s yes to the angel of the Lord, marking his holy trust in God not with certainty, but with humble courage. And for us, God’s promise draws near, not through force or spectacle, but through love made vulnerable, arriving in the ordinary fabric of human life in the form of a baby boy. As Christmas Day approaches, we are reminded that God still comes to us this way—into our questions, our hopes, and our open hands—asking only that we make room.

THIS SUNDAY we will explore Joseph’s “yes” to the Lord’s angel in a dream as recorded in Matthew 1:18-25. It’s the counterpart to Mary’s “yes” to the Angel Gabriel in Luke’s gospel. Joseph often doesn’t get much attention in the Christmas story, but his example can give us courage and hope when God calls us to something unexpected and overwhelming, as we hear God say to us, “Fear not.” May we too say yes to God with humility and courage! Please join us as we continue our journey to the manger this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY we explored Matthew 11:2-11, where we found John the Baptist in prison, voicing doubts and questions about whether Jesus was really the one. Jesus sent word back to John to look at what God was doing through him: healing the sick, raising the dead, sharing good news for the poor. John’s expectations were misplaced—God’s work doesn’t always look like we thought it would! Nevertheless, God is truly at work in our midst. What questions and doubts have you taken to God in
prayer this week?

DON’T FORGET! This Sunday, after our worship service, our Music Team will present A Christmas Jazzikapila, a wonderful concert with your favorite carols and Christmas songs! We are so grateful for this gift of music. And we warmly welcome back our emcee Rick Hamada (Zach’s dad!).

LOOKING AHEAD: At 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, we’ll have a glorious service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist, and on Christmas Day at 9 a.m., a special Holy Eucharist—it’s a meaningful way to celebrate how God meets us at Christmas. On December 28 during the Sunday service, our choir will offer some beautiful carols and songs as we worship in music. And coming up on January 4 as we celebrate Epiphany Sunday, our keiki will present an Epiphany Pageant that you won’t want to miss!

Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your continuing prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and devoted lay leaders and ministers, for your fellow members, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones always.
 
Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+