Fear Not

"Fear not!" One of my favorite advent phrases.  You hear it over and over again in the Christmas story - when Gabriel comes to Mary, when the angel comes to Joseph in a dream, when the angels share the Good News with the shepherds.  It is a simple phrase - only two words, and yet it is said with courage.  But during this time of preparation, we tend to sweep those two words under our festive rugs.  We are consumed by the hustle and bustle of the season, running around like maniacs to find the perfect gift or tree.  Now don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas season as much as the next guy [and by "as much" I mean roughly 75 times more] - but we tend to get a little carried away.  The point I am trying to make is that if we "fear not," the Christmas season will be a more joyful, more of the way it should be.


Many times, we look for answers in the Bible.  We turn to it in times of stress, fear, grief, joy, celebration.  You name it, someone has looked.  But sometimes the answer is so simple, we almost miss it.  What if fear not is the answer to our Christmas dilemma?  That tiny little thought tells us "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..." Matthew 6:34.  So when that countdown of shopping days starts ticking in your head, take a deep breath and fear not.


This may seem trite or insignificant, but I think if that saying was said by angels, messengers of the Lord, it can be used to remind us not to freak out if the Christmas ham is cooking a little behind schedule.  So as you brave the crowds at the mall, grocery store, or the virtual throngs on Amazon, don't forget what this season is all about.  The angel said "Fear not!" And that is just what I intend to do.

Live with love,

-JD