Good morning, friends. It’s Christmas Eve and my mind has landed in an unusual place as I sit to write. When we think about the Christmas story and the wonderful birth of Christ, our Savior, words like Love, Joy, Peace, and Light often come to mind. But it occurred to me this morning that another word was a big part of the first Christmas-Fear. Think about it. The angel who appeared to Mary, as recorded in Luke 1:30, said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” The angel who appeared to Joseph, as recorded in Matthew 1: 20, said to him, “Joseph, do not be afraid…” And the angel who appeared to the shepherds in the field on that holy night, as recorded in Luke 2:10, said to them, “Do not be afraid!” Granted, it wasn’t every day that an angel made an appearance to these folks. I imagine that could make any of us shake in our boots a bit. But fear, no matter its source, is something we all struggle with at times in our lives. And our loving Father knows that. The words, Do not fear, were often on the lips of our Savior when He walked on this earth. I read a devotional in Joy For the Journey recently, written by Patsy Clairmont, that speaks to this issue so beautifully. I thought it would be a good one to share with you on this Christmas Eve.
On a Dark Winter’s Night…
“If we are afraid, we should turn on the light…
Turn on the light of God’s Word. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Turn on the light of faith. And risk taking the next step out of your self-imposed limitations. What do you have to lose? Fear? Go for it.
Turn on the light of your mind by believing what you can’t see, which is that God holds you safely in His care no matter where you are and that He in unfolding His plan for your life. You can’t travel outside His presence.
Turn on the light of friendship. Let others know when you are uneasy and then allow them to stand with you. It will comfort you, strengthen you, and keep you humble. We weren’t meant to go this life alone.”
I sincerely hope these thoughts will help you in your celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus, Immanuel, God With Us, the Light of the World. Hear Him whisper to you, “Do not be afraid. I will turn the light on for you!” Then rest in the Love, Joy and Peace that are all a part of this most wonderful time of the year!
Merry Christmas!
