Christmas Thoughts- “Fear not”
Did you know that that phrase is found 170 times in the King James Bible? We all know it plays an important part of the Christmas Story.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10
At this time of the year, we celebrate Christmas with all the glitter, lights, ornaments, and presents, but that is not the reason for Christmas. We must admit that 2020 has been a different kind of year with us isolated from each other, and some have hearts that are filled with fear. As we see the days of 2020 decrease and the hope for 2021 increase, it is the phrase “Fear not” ringing in my ears. Fearing, it seems, is all we have been doing lately. I had a Sunday School teacher who used the acronym F. E. A. R. to stand for False Evidence Appearing Real. I feel She is correct in her observation.
In March 1933 the 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first Inaugural Address said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
FDR’s message was to a country in the depths of The Great Depression. Times were hard, work was hard to find, and money was tight. It was not a happy time, much like our current pandemic. We are facing a lot of unknowns; like my Grandpa would say, “these are hard times”. The Depression and this pandemic did not surprise God. In the Bible it states, “4 …when the fulness of the time was come…” Galatians 4, reminding us that all things happen on His timeline.
Paul wrote “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 “
Am I saying, don’t use PPE’s? No; wear your mask, wear your gloves, use the PPE’s, follow the recommendations of The Arkansas Department of Health and CDC. Have faith in your equipment as you have faith in God to keep you safe. This virus, much like other viruses, will eventually run its course and we will have a new normal.
When? I’m not sure, but I have faith in God. Before we arrive at that point in time, we will be bombarded with a lot of folks spreading fear. It’s their job and they do it well. Our job is to have a peace the passes all understanding with faith in God.
How do we show a sound mind full of God’s power and love? Smile under that mask; nod your head as you greet someone; wave as you pass to show the love of people that caused us to enter the Emergency Medical Services field. Jesus Christ’s ministry was a ministry of Love, and if we are a follower of Him then our love should be evident.
The angels concluded their announcement of the Saviors’ Birth found in Luke 2, “14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
After the Angels’ news, the Shepherds sought Jesus and found Him just as the angels had described; then the Wise Men sought Him and found Him. Have you sought Him? Today He stands at your door and knocks.
Words of a president, my Sunday school teacher, an angel and the Bible: “Fear Not!” Seek Him while He might be found. Contact me if you need directions to Him. I’d love to give you the most wonderful Christmas Present, Jesus Christ!