Do Not Be Afraid

Christmas brings visions of packages under decorated trees, candy canes, gently falling snow, and carols being sung with family and friends.

We all want to have a happy and memorable Christmas filled with warm moments shared with those we love.

We celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus and the hope He brought to the world. Nativity sets are placed in the home as a reminder of the real reason for the season.

In the midst of cheer and merriment there's another message I embrace.

Do not be afraid.

When Mary discovered she was going to be an unwed mother…

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33

When the angels appeared to the shepherds in the field…

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But, the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Tonight in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:7-14

My husband and I recently attended the wedding of a young couple. They’d planned to marry “someday,” but due to an unplanned pregnancy, decided to make the commitment now.

The bride’s parents provided a beautiful wedding and reception. The church had just been decorated for Christmas and our pastor reminded the couple, just as Mary had been told…do not be afraid.

What a wonderful message to give two young people who wanted to do the right thing, but could very easily be filled with fear. Fear about the future and how they’ll handle caring for a child so soon.

Christmas will come and go. The bright lights and tinsel will be taken down. The decorations will be packed away. Life will settle back into a routine.

With the end of the holidays, job stress will resume. Bills will need to be paid. People may experience medical challenges, loneliness, or breakdowns in relationships.

Never forget.
The good news is the “Good News.”
Christ has brought hope.

Do not be afraid.

Dawn