FACING FEAR WITH FACTS

A bright light on a dark night would frighten most individuals if it was unexpected. How much more frightening would it be if an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and God’s glory lit up the area where sheep were quietly sleeping, and shepherds were watching them carefully and constantly to make certain that they were safe.

Sensing the fear of the shepherds, the angel said confidently, “Don’t be afraid of this Light!” The angel wanted to calm their pounding hearts. “I came with Good News. News that will bring great joy to everyone, everywhere who is willing to accept this Good News!”

How gracious is our God! The shepherds did what any of us would have done: react with apprehension and fear. Yet, God, in His love and mercy, first gave them His assurance that they were safe and then explained to them what had happened: “A Savior, Christ, who is the Anointed One, the One that you have been waiting for, even the LORD, has been born!”

There is a wonderful lesson here for each of us. Rarely do we get through any day without something unusual – sometimes a tragedy, perhaps a life-threatening or grief-producing event – invading our lives. It is normal and natural to react with fear when the unwelcomed comes.

But, as God said to the shepherds then and as He says to us every day, “Don’t be afraid. Good News awaits you. Your Savior is with you. Turn to Him in faith and He will save you!”

Prayer: How thankful we are, Father, to know that Your Son, our Savior, is with us every moment of every day. Calm our fears and bring peace to our hearts through Him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Luke 2:8-12 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.