Did you know…
that the words ‘Do not be afraid’ appear in the Nativity account four times?
* When Joseph was considering divorcing Mary because of the surprise pregnancy, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20 NIV).
* When an angel appeared to Zechariah announcing that he and his wife would have a long awaited child (John the Baptist), “… 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 1:13 NIV).
* When an angel declared to Mary that she would carry God’s son, “…the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus’ (Luke 1:30-31 NIV).
* When the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus, “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV).
Whenever the Bible repeats something, our ears should perk up because it means the God wants us to hear something. And what does He say at Christmas time?
Do not be afraid. Do not fear.
Now admittedly, every time it says ‘be not afraid,’ it’s because there’s a supernatural messenger appearing to say something life-changing. We’d probably be afraid too if an angel broke into our every day. But these appearances are all about God calling people to play a part in His story of redemption. And we have that in common with them.
Do not be afraid, God says to us.
When you start something new. When you act with grace instead of anger. When you bear witness to the goodness of God. Do not be afraid.
Jesus says it too:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV).
And do you know why? Why we need not let our hearts be troubled? Joshua 1:9 answers that:
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
This Christmas and the year ahead, the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Draw near to Him. Go where He goes. And let the peace that Jesus gives crowd out fear from your heart. Do not be afraid for Emmanuel “God with us” is with you.