Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

This message reflects on Joseph and Thomas, two men who faced profound darkness at opposite ends of Jesus’ life. Joseph’s despair at Mary’s pregnancy and Thomas’s doubt after the crucifixion were both shattered by the same gift: the light of God’s Word. In moments when reality seemed broken and hope lost, God revealed that things were not as they appeared—everything was unfolding by grace. As Advent reaches its darkest days, the sermon reminds us that true light does not come from circumstances improving, but from God’s gracious promises in Christ. That Word still scatters our darkness today, guiding us not by our instincts, but by grace, forgiveness, and the light no darkness can overcome.