Have you ever noticed how much angels tell people to not be afraid?

When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…” (Luke 1:30)

When the angel appeared to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, he said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people…” (Luke 2:10)

Why would the angels tell them to not be afraid? Most likely because that’s exactly what they were! If you hear someone tell another person to not be sad, it’s because that other person is sad. If they tell them to stop worrying, it’s because they’re worrying. So when someone says to not be afraid, it’s because they’re afraid! 

Fear is everywhere in the nativity story. Herod wanted to find the location of the Messiah so he could kill him. Joseph was warned and fled to Egypt. Mary could have been stoned to death if it could have been proven that Joseph was not the father of the baby. Fear, fear, fear…

But fear can be a doorway, not just a disaster. 

We tend to associate fear with disaster. That’s one of the reasons why it is so powerful in our minds. We fear things that we think will somehow bring pain or wreckage into our lives. 

But there’s another way to think about fear. It can be a doorway to greater faithfulness to God. Mary agreed to serve God. The shepherds went and found Jesus and then spread the news. Joseph and Mary later returned to Nazareth. Joseph decided to stay true to Mary. 

Fear was everywhere present but not ultimately powerful. 

Fear is a part of life. And don’t get me wrong, we certainly need to be wise; if you’re in harm’s way you should get to safety. But there are times when we experience fear in a general sense and it holds us back from trusting God, moving forward in faith, and being open to a future which may be unexpected and different, but which still has opportunities to serve God and bless others. 

Fear can be a doorway, not just a disaster.

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Notes:

–You’re Invited! If you don’t have a church home, we’re having two services on Christmas Eve at Westminster. The Super Family-Friendly Service is at 5:30 and the Traditional Candlelit Service is at 7pm. Click here to learn more. 

–Note: The Up Devotional will go on pause after December 25 to return on January 3, 2024 (I’m taking some holidays). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.