Pastor Betsey reflects on the Epiphany story where the wise men travel to honor the newborn King and encounter danger in the form of King Herod, who feels threatened by any rival to his power. Instead of responding with fear, the magi follow God’s guidance in a dream and, likewise, Joseph and Mary are led to safety, escaping Herod’s violent orders to kill all boys under two in Bethlehem—a cruel attempt to eliminate Jesus that reflects how earthly power often lashes out at perceived threats. Pastor Betsey draws from these texts to emphasize that fear—whether of rulers, circumstances, or uncertainty—doesn’t have the final word, and Christians are invited to trust God, move forward in faith, and bear God’s light and hope in a world full of fear. She highlights that God’s purposes prevail even in the face of human cruelty and that believers are called to live in hope and courage rather than fear.