Luke 2-3

Merry Christmas!  Oops.  It’s a little late to be sharing Christmas greetings.  But here’s some good news.  Only 310 days until next Christmas.  In the meantime let’s look at one way we can get the most out of the 320 days.  Let’s see if we can learn a lesson from the shepherds that will help us move forward the way God wants us to.

The shepherds weren’t going anywhere until they dealt with their fear.  Luke 2:8-9 tells us they were afraid on the first Christmas night.  In fact they were filled with fear.  The KJV states it in a memorable way – “They were sore afraid.”

It was not just the angel that terrified them but also the visible manifestation of the glory of God. What was the glory of the Lord?  It must have been a superb light show.  The glory shone around them – a dazzling specter of light.  It was infinitely better than a meteor shower.

But God’s angel had good news of great joy.  The news would calm them now and forever.  The angel had the Gospel message to announce to them.  He had the news that a Savior had been born, the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, the Lord, God Himself.  And it was a very personal message - it was unto you – v. 11.   

He also had the good news that they did not have to be afraid.  The shepherds were going from great fear to great joy.

Maybe that’s where you need to go today.  Of what are you afraid right now?   Philippians 4:6 tells us we don’t have to be afraid of anything – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

That same message was prevalent throughout the Christmas story.

1.   An angel of the Lord, twice identified as Gabriel told Zechariah (who was described as startled and gripped with fear) not to be afraid.

2.  Mary (greatly troubled at the angel’s words) was also told not to be afraid. 

3.  Joseph was told by an angel of the Lord not to be afraid to take Mary home to be his wife.

4.  Fear and joy don’t get along well together.  Joy belongs in the Christmas story.  Fear was forbidden.

The same message has been delivered to God’s people all throughout the Bible.  The message is No fear, God with us.   If fear comes knocking at your door today or any day, think about how God wants you to handle it. Here’s what He has said to His people before.

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 43:1-3 ^–“ But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. ³For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

~Paul Thompson