Do not Fear this Christmas
(NacNaz Morning Devotional)

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Four times in the Christmas story, angels appeared at just the right times to give a message to people who were a part of Jesus' life and birth. And every time, those to who they appeared were greatly "troubled," "afraid," or even "gripped with fear." And every time the angels said these powerful words, "Do not be afraid..."

To the shepherds: "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

To Mary: "But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

To Joseph: "...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him he name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21

To Zechariah: "But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid Zechariah, your prayer has been heard, Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to give him the name John." Luke 2: 10-11

Just like these people in the Christmas story so many years ago, we’re often people who can easily become fearful, troubled, even gripped with fear. It's a natural human emotion, but God never intends for us to stay stuck there. Stuck in fear. And His powerful words and message to us is still the same, for He never changes. He says, “Do not fear,” over and over in His Word, reminding us that He is with us. And He made sure it was part of the message given to each of those to who an angel appeared to announce His Son's birth.
"Do not be afraid."

For His perfect love casts out all fear.
Jesus came bringing peace that the world could never give.
Jesus came bringing light that the darkness could never overcome.
Jesus came bringing freedom from sin and brought victory over death, once and for all.
Jesus is with YOU.

The opposite of fear is not really simply "courage," but it is peace, faith, love, the assurance that we are held by a God who is Mighty and Strong.

Kode has been nervous about the Christmas play, but he really wants to do it. He asked me how to overcome stage freight. I reminded him he is doing it for God and not for people. That it is okay to be afraid, but not okay to stay afraid. You cannot be courageous without fear. That’s what courage is, overcoming fear. We do it through Him. What is God calling you to over overcome? Where is He saying trust me?

Many of you have faced deep loss this year, the hurt of losing a loved one too soon, illness, cancer, financial troubles, or job loss. 2020 has been a year. Some are struggling through the pain of broken relationships. Many are fighting depression and, facing addictions and giants that seem too big.

Whatever you might be battling this season, I pray that you will find deep peace in Him. The One who loves you so much and says, "Do not fear..."
He is greater. Always. He came to overcome it all. And He is with us. Jesus is with YOU.
Give God your worries and fears today. Choose to leave it all in the hands that have the power to bring us deep peace and assurance, that the world can never give or take away. Know His Presence is with you and His love never fails. God is with you.

Pastor Joe Ward
Love God, Love People, Make Disciples