Some people look at the images at Christmas in popular media and assume everyone feels unstoppable joy during the holiday season. But, of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many people are afraid. They’re afraid of the future. They’re afraid of their present. These fears keep them from truly enjoying the holidays.
Psychologists have identified something like 645 different fears that people can experience. Fear is a universal problem—and it takes away our joy, even during the holidays.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be afraid. You have God on your side!
The shepherds from the story of the first Christmas prove that to us. The Bible says the shepherds had only been focused on protecting their sheep from predators before the angels showed up. When the angels put on a light show in the sky, it scared them to death.
But then God sent a message through those angels:
“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” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV).
God says the same thing to you today. You don’t have to stew in your fear. Over and over in the Bible, God reminds us not to be afraid.
The shepherds’ perspective changed immediately because of the God’s message through the angels. The Bible tells us in Luke 2:13-16, “As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. ‘Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.’ They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger” (The Message).
The shepherds didn’t just go to see Jesus—they ran! And verse 17 tells us they told people about the Lord as they went along. People celebrated with them as they shared the Good News.
God took their fear and turned it into a celebration.
He’ll do that for you, too.
No fear you have is so big that God can’t transform it into a party.
Talk It Over
What do you find most surprising about the shepherds’ encounter with the angels in Luke 2?
What fear do you find most difficult to overcome?
How has God helped you become less afraid?
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