DO NOT Be Afraid
Pre-electricity era – can you imagine the terror the shepherds experienced when the dark skies became brilliant when the angel appeared to them? But the angel gave them solace when he said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people.”(Luke 2:10). Those terrifying moments were replaced with good news and great joy. The first words the angel spoke were words of comfort and words of command: “Do not be afraid.”
It doesn’t sound like a suggestion to me. “Do NOT be afraid.” Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear? When my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, we wrestled with this “command.” How do you face your greatest fear in life, and not be afraid? We found the answer to that question by focusing on the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that the angel spoke about. As I think back on those few months that we had remaining with my sweetheart, without doubt — we did experience GREAT JOY in the midst of doctor’s appointments, treatments, six surgeries, pain, and discomfort. We laughed. We celebrated life. We embraced each other and we embraced our friends and family like never before. It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.
What is bringing you fear today? Christmas can’t be a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. But listen once again to the angel’s words….”Do not be afraid — I bring you good news of great joy!” There is good news. There is great joy. That news is for ALL people — you and me — no matter what we may be facing. Whatever your circumstances are this year, focus on the face of God and be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas. It isn’t really about all the things the world has made it to be. It is about the good news of great joy. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, “Don’t be afraid of anything….ever. I give you joy. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY! I give you JESUS.”
#GoodNews #GreatJoy #DoNotBeAfraid