Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

As we close our Advent series, we turn to Joseph in Matthew 1:18–25, a quiet figure whose actions teach us about faithful leadership. Joseph does not speak, yet his choices reveal a deep, lived righteousness. When Joseph learns of Mary's pregnancy, he chooses mercy before he has answers. He plans to protect her from humiliation, showing us that righteousness is not rigid rule keeping, but compassion in action. Only later does the angel appear, speaking words leaders often need to hear, "Do not be afraid." Joseph's fear is not dismissed, but he is invited to trust that God is at work in ways he cannot yet see. Joseph is entrusted with two names for the child, Jesus, meaning "the Lord saves," and Emmanuel, "God with us." These names remind us that God's saving work happens through presence. God comes near, stepping into ordinary and complicated lives. When Joseph wakes, he acts. He takes Mary as his wife and names the child, publicly aligning his life with what God is doing, even at personal cost. Compassion mo