"Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
My husband and I love Christmas for so many reasons. We developed the habit of reading the Scriptures to the kids during Advent. Whether we use the Bible or a storybook, Luke 2 made an impression on our youngest daughter. She was two at the time. She grabbed a piece of paper and pretended to be reading it. She said, "Jesus said, don't be afraid." Then she started cheering and clapping her hands. It was the cutest thing yet a curious thing. Zeke and I must have repeated "don't be afraid" quite a bit during that season. That's why she remembered it.
It has been said that repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.
Between the Matthew and Luke accounts of the birth of Jesus, angelic beings told humans "do not be afraid" several times. When Jesus grew up, he told people "do not be afraid" many times as well.
Repetition is not only a mother of learning but a conductor of assurance. Don't be afraid, God is near. Don't be afraid, Jesus is mighty to save. Don't be afraid, God is with us.
Christmas can be a season of fear for some. Fear can be silent during the entire year while manifesting itself during this season of peace. It is during this time, that Jesus wants to remind us that we don't have to be afraid because His name is Immanuel, God is with us.
Times were beyond chaotic when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Isaiah (7:14) prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
God doesn't do things by happenstance. You may not understand the chaos around you. You may even think it is unfair. Please remember that Immanuel is with you. He is your peace. He is your strength and your joy. His presence can be felt as you call on Him in prayer.
If you are looking for good news, look no further. The Savior was born to save. He is still delivering and protecting His children from fear.
Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus to the world. Immanuel is here with me, in the midst of my earthly circumstance. Today, I will not be afraid but I will put my trust in You. Give me assurance of who you are for me during this season of Christmas. I trust you will answer me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Step of Faith: When you feel fear, repeat these verses as you see fit:
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 56:11
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:24
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