“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
Do Not Be Afraid
When we think of the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, there are so many wonderful, beautiful things that we focus on. After all, His coming was the turning point in human history. The birth of Jesus began the journey that provided for our atonement.
Recently, however, I had my thoughts directed to a very different aspect of the Christmas story: fear. That certainly isn’t something that comes readily to my mind when I think of all that happened. But it’s there in several instances of the Christmas narrative.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was “greatly troubled.” He told her “do not be afraid.” It’s easy to understand that this young, 14-16 year old virgin would be afraid when told she’s going to become pregnant, never having known a man.
When the angel appeared to Joseph, he told him, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife” (Matthew 1:18-25). I can’t begin to imagine the thoughts swirling in Joseph’s mind about all this. He certainly needed the angel’s encouragement to not be afraid.
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, “they were terrified.” It must have been an incredible experience to suddenly have one angel come, and then see the heavens filled with a host of angels singing and praising God. They may have wondered if they were going a little crazy after being alone out in the fields with the sheep for so long.
When the angel appeared to Zechariah to tell him that Elizabeth was going to bear a son who would prepare the way for the Lord, he was “troubled and overcome with fear.” This seems like a normal reaction. He and Elizabeth were both very old, had never had children, and it certainly didn’t seem like old people would start having babies. But he was rebuked for his fear and struck dumb until after his son, John the Baptist, was born.
As I read these passages, I had such an encouraging sense that God understands our fears. Here in the midst of one of the greatest events in human history, there was fear. Except for Zechariah (maybe he was held to greater accountability because he was a priest), the response of the angel was to say, “It’s okay…this is God’s doing…you don’t need to fear.”
God understands when we go through our own unusual circumstances that we may have fear. I’ve had a number of fearful moments on this unexpected journey we’re on. I haven’t had an angel appear and tell me all is well, but I have definitely had the sweet comfort of the Holy Spirit encouraging me that God is with me. His presence has been with me moment by moment. He has lifted fear and anxiety from my heart and given me His peace. He has never left me alone to face the situations that provoked my fear. He has been with me.
It’s also important to note that none of the individuals in the Christmas story stayed in their fear! They obeyed the angel when he instructed them to “not be afraid.” We may not have an angel telling us this, but we must bring our fears to the Lord, lay them at His feet, and receive His grace and strength to “not be afraid.” We can’t allow our hearts and minds to live in a fearful place. It may be challenging, but God will give us the strength and courage we need to deal with our fears.
During this Christmas season, we can personally receive the message the angels brought long ago: “Do not be afraid.” God will help us just as He helped Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and Zechariah. We don’t need to fear in whatever situation we’re in.
“Lord, we are grateful for Your sweet presence when we are afraid. Thank You for Your whispered encouragements. May we walk in peace. Amen.”