Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth

Title: Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth
Theme: Do not be afraid

For the third time in the gospel of Luke, there is a specific command: "Do not be afraid." Mary a baby inside her. Nervous about her being pregnant outside of marriage, of being ridiculed by her family and friends, and not knowing what lies ahead, the angel appears not just to Mary, but to Joseph as well.

"And an angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

It seems almost naturally, that God knows our human weaknesses. He knows that we are prone to fear. He knows that fear prevents one from moving forward, not because of danger or uncertainty ahead, but fear itself. In fact, the biggest problem infecting society is that instead of living a life of faith, we are frequently being driven by fear. The fear of being slapped with a heavy fine keeps us mindful of the speed limit when driving. The fear of our cars being towed away makes us mindful of where and how long we park our cars. The fear of our boss's disapproval makes us come to work punctually, and to do our jobs diligently. The laws of the land are usually for people who break the law and to prevent others from even trying to mess with the law. Fear reigns. In a fallen world, fear runs havoc to disrupt our hopes, our joys, and our true creative ability to seek God.

Perhaps, rather than going on a witch hunt to drive our fear in our lives, let us place faith in front. The opposite of fear is faith. In faith, we stop fear on its tracks. In faith, we shine the brightness of Christ to dispel the darkness of fear. In faith, we walk. the story of Jesus' birth begins not in fear, but in faith.

What I learn: The person of God will not be afraid.

conrade