“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people!” The first reaction for the shepherds when they encountered heavenly things was fear.
Many times we have the same reaction.
It is the fear that we’ll lose too much if we surrender to God that keeps us from turning to Him
It is fear that keeps us from admitting our sin and our need for God, fear that He will punish and reject us.
It is fear that ultimately drives us to Him, when our lives that we love so much begin to unravel, leaving us helpless, vulnerable and alone.
It is fear caused by events like we recently saw in San Bernardino that fills up churches.
The fear of what we cannot control reveals to us a world that is dark and dangerous. In these times we search for hope, that someone has the answers and will come to our rescue. After the terrorist attack in California one newspaper proclaimed
“God isn’t fixing this!”
This in reference to public figures and others who called for prayer following this tragic event. Nothing could be further from the truth.
God is very much engaged “in this”
He is allowing our sin and mismanagement of human events and the world to bring us to the place where we understand that the only solution to our problems can be found in Him. Politicians, world leaders, religions, or lack of religions or any laws or treaties or controls we might come up with will not “fix” things. What our world needs most is the message the angel proclaimed to shepherds watching over their sheep.
Do not be afraid…
I bring you good news
Of great joy for all people.
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! The Son has arrived, the One who will all fix things, make them new again. He brings an invitation from the Father to all who will come to be restored, to be forgiven, to receive salvation.
This is very Good News
A call for celebration.
A reason for joy!
As we celebrate His birth this Christmas season my prayer is that despite all our fears, all that is wrong in our world, we would understand we have a reason for great joy! He came that we might have life more and better than we could imagine.
Hope in the midst of difficult times
Peace in the midst of the storm
Joy instead of fear!
Good news of great joy!
1 Response to Good News of Great Joy