Monday, Dec 20, 2021
“Fear Not!”
It’s getting real. Five Days until Christmas! I’m afraid I may not finish my shopping list for gifts and groceries. I’m afraid I’ve messed up the gifts I’ve already purchased. I’m afraid I don’t have enough energy to make it to Christmas, that I don’t have enough money to pay for the things I purchased, and I’m afraid I’ve forgotten something really important.
Christmas is coming, whether or not I’m ready. And, in addition to all Christmas will bring, there’s all the stuff of the next day, too: Back at the grind on a Sunday morning, when I really want to sleep in…and I’ve got to clean up and put up all the tinsel, ornaments, and the thousands of lights, which I somehow have to keep from getting tangled in the takedown! How on earth is any of this supposed to really be “merry” when the spirit of Christmas is sucking the Joy, Peace, and Hope out of my sanity?! It doesn’t make me feel Lovable or Loving.
Yet this is exactly how Christmas arrives, even from the beginning. Scripture tells of an angel’s announcement to young Mary, somewhere between thirteen and fifteen years old, who hears that she is (somehow) pregnant and will give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. Her reply is so different from what we expected: “Yes! Bring it! God is finally coming to free the captive and bring peace to humankind and justice to the oppressed! I AM READY!”
That’s my paraphrased version, anyhow. The Angel begins by telling Mary “Fear Not”. Ironically (or not), Scripture declares “Fear Not” 365 times. It’s as if God is telling us every day “Fear not, I’m with you” every day of the year. “I’m here, kiddo… don’t be afraid”.
Don’t be afraid of the bills.
Don’t be afraid of Cousin Eddie’s behavior.
Don’t be afraid of everything that will most certainly go wrong on Christmas Eve.
Don’t be afraid of that catastrophe that is waiting the day after Christmas.
Don’t be afraid of how you will get through this nightmare: diagnosis of illness or even pandemic, loss, or threats to your Peace, Joy, or Hope.
Don’t be afraid! Why? Because Love has arrived.
Love is here, 365 Days a year. Fear Not. Immanuel – “God with Us” – has arrived. 365 reminders wrapped in the swaddling baby boy, who you and I need and each of us can share with the world at Christmas and every day of the year.
Christmas is coming, ready or not! But have no fear: Immanuel is here!
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (which means, ‘God is with us’).” (Isaiah, 7:14, ESV).