Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest, wrote that “Fear is the single most important and tragic emotion in our lives.” He is right. Fear is the emotion that controls us most often in our decision-making and actions. There is a healthy fear that causes us to be cautious and careful, to give respect toward, and make good life-giving decisions. Then there is the opposite kind of fear that handicaps, paralyzes and separates us from experiencing life as God would have us enjoy.
Fear is Satan’s greatest and most deadly weapon that he uses in destroying you and your relationship with God. And so, it is only reasonable to conclude that the best remedy for quieting our fears begins with deliberate action toward restoring and strengthening our relationship with God.
In fact, this is what Jesus promised, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” And then added, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:1, 27).
The prophet, Isaiah, spoke to our fears in a prophecy concerning God coming to us as the Messiah (Isaiah 35:4) – “Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, …he will come to save you.”
In his Gospel account of Jesus’ birth, Luke will have an angel suddenly appear on three separate occasions bringing a special message from God. To Zechariah, a priest “gripped with fear,” the angel says, “Do not be afraid; Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.” (1:13).
To Mary, a young virgin “greatly troubled,” the angel says, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (1:28-30).
And to “terrified” shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night in fields near Bethlehem, an angel appears in glorious light and says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11).
In all three occasions, the angel’s sudden and unexpected appearance caused great anxiety and fear. And in all three occasions, the angel reassured the recipients of God’s special message with the words, “Do not be afraid.”
CHRISTMAS is the good news that God comes down to us to rescue us from our many fears. God wants to forgive, heal, and restore us to the confidence and security that his omni-presence assures us.
And so, when darkness and fears arise in your thoughts and spirit this Christmas season, hear the message of the heavenly angel, “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.” (Lk. 2:10-11). When you hear the joyous singing of Christmas hymns and carols, listen intently to the heartbeat of God’s love for you. “Joy to the world, the Lord (of love, light, and hope) is come!”
This is the “good news” message of Christmas. God, in Jesus, left the glories of heaven and came down and into our world of darknesses. By taking on human flesh, he entered fully into our world, bringing the peace and joy that flows from his presence of love and light engulfing us. THANK YOU, JESUS!
<><><><><>
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
Leave a comment