Tuesday, December 23, 2008


In this week of Christmas and looking on toward the new year, there are a good many things that inspire fear. Things like the uncertain economy, a new presidential administration and the change it will bring, personal and family struggles, hurts, and questions...all these things work to bring fear, worry, anxiety, stress to our already complicated lives. The Christmas season seems to magnify the troubles that already trouble us.


Into such a world, the Christmas story comes with a great word of hope and help. The Bible's consistent and resounding message is "fear not." In the biblical Christmas story, there are several “fear not’s” worth noting as well:


1. The “fear not” of salvation: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings...which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11).
2. The “fear not” of the humanly impossible: “Fear not, Mary, … the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: …For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:30, 35, 37).
3. The “fear not” of unanswered prayer: “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (Luke 1:13).
4. The “fear not” of immediate obedience: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife. … Then Joseph … did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him” (Matthew 1:20,24 NPS).


To the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth the angel said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, NIV). Have a blessed Christmas.

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