Joseph was a “righteous” man.
But God had a different idea of “righteous.” Not the conventional wisdom. Not the standards kept by “nice people” of Joseph’s day.
Today’s Gospel lesson outlines the dilemma faced by Joseph, the first-century Jewish man engaged to a young woman named Mary. His fiancée had come to him with a wild tale explaining her unexpected and shameful pregnancy. “It’s from God!” Mary had declared.
“Joseph was a righteous man,” the story goes. He was going to be nice to Mary and just send her away quietly, instead of accusing her publicly of infidelity – a step that could have led to her being stoned to death.
But God opened Joseph’s heart to a different kind of righteous – the kind that listens to angels that come in dreams.
“She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus.” – Matthew 1:21
At PEACE, we celebrate Advent by reflecting on God’s promises. We wait and watch for signs. We trust God will form us into his kind of righteous, not the stereotype of righteous the world might put on us.
Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Coming up at PEACE
- Free Mini-Concert – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 – our last event of the season! Get relief from the Christmas rush! This half-hour concert will help you keep your focus on the true meaning of the season. This Wednesday features organist Walt Strony and the Bells of Peace handbell choir; Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van also will play! Holden Evening Prayer follows at about 5:30 p.m. If you’ve never experienced this moving, musical prayer service, please take this opportunity – you will leave uplifted!
- Longest Night – 3 p.m. today, in the Sanctuary. Feeling sorrow at the holidays? Longest Night offers hope, healing and the chance to connect to a loving God.
- Christmas Eve Choir – Love to sing? Be a part of our Christmas Eve Choir – come to the next rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 22. We’ll sing at the 4 pm Christmas Eve service. The music is from “Candles and Carols” – arrangements of familiar Christmas carols with narration of the Nativity. Call the church office at (530) 273-9631and ask for Myrna Heppe for more details.
- More Coming Events – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School for children & youth
Youth @ PEACE is our all-ages Bible study, where young disciples learn the core stories of our faith and what it means to walk the Jesus Path. Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
This fall, we have learned stories from the Old Testament. In January, we will shift to the New Testament. We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!
We start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, downstairs in the Youth Room. Young people of all ages are welcome!
Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes! Our goal is for young people to bring God’s word deep into their hearts, supporting a lifetime of faith.
Get Involved at PEACE!
Click here to learn how to get involved at PEACE Lutheran Church.