Do Not Fear!

10 Don’t fear, because I am with you;
don’t be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
I will surely help you;
I will hold you
with my righteous strong hand.

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid” is repeated throughout the Bible, spoken by kings and prophets and poets. It is also the opening line of angels in almost every place they are mentioned. We especially see this phrase during the telling of the Christmas story. These words preceded announcements to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and shepherds. There is significance in this strange greeting for a few reasons.

First, as humans, we tend to be fearful of what we cannot fully understand. This has served us well in terms of survival, but interferes often with true growth. Throughout history, when people have encountered something strange, we have either tried to eliminate it or change it into something more familiar and comfortable. In the case of the angel greetings, they start with the proclamation to not fear. In other words, change is coming, something special and incomprehensible is happening. But don’t fear. Listen instead to the whole plan.

Second, the angels followed the proclamation to not fear with the admonition that the significant event is of God. In other words, the change that would normally incite fear is being initiated by God. Therefore, God will traverse the journey with the recipient of the message. They will not be alone. Fear is not necessary, because the bulk of the difficulty will fall on God.

These both have applications into our lives, even if we are not the recipients of some special revelation. This is the strange season that we sometimes feel like we must put on a happy face, even when we don’t feel like it. Because of the gift of God Incarnate found in the specific person of Jesus, we have a God that understands us, walks with us, and supports us in our lives, especially in the difficult times. We can take comfort that despite the changes and surprises of life that give us reason for fear and stress, God will be with us.

My wish for each of us as we travel through Advent, Christmas, and into a New Year is “Don’t be afraid. God is with us. We are not ever alone.” Life is neither always predictable nor happy. But God is always faithful working toward good in all things. In light of God’s amazing grace, with God’s strength and love, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian