Luke 2:8-10, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'"

Think

The Nativity Scene is something we are familiar with, especially during this time of the year. For many, it brings comfort, peace, and fond memories of childhood. We see sweet, sleeping baby Jesus surrounded by his parents, the shepherds and wise men, some docile farm animals, and maybe a few angels. But have you ever considered what it must have been like for the first people who witnessed it? In today's verses, we read that the shepherds, who were outcasts, were alerted by an angel about the coming of the Savior. And they were "terrified." Nothing like this had ever happened before, and they freaked out. But immediately the angel calmed them and told them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Life can be full of fear and anxiety. But God has done something to help us experience something better! He wants us to experience peace and joy. When He sent Jesus to live on this earth, He gave us the ultimate gift, which is a relationship with Him. As you continue to celebrate Christmas, and perhaps begin to get back into your routine, remember the joy that God has in store for you in a relationship with Him. Focus on Him, and replace that fear with joy.

Act

Hundreds of times throughout the Bible, you can find phrases like "fear not" and "do not be afraid." So when you begin to feel any moments of anxiety creeping into your life, open a Bible APP, search for that phrase, and turn that fear into trusting faith!

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to live righteously, die sacrificially, and rise bodily so that I may experience a relationship with You. Help me to live out the joy that comes from that relationship and overcome any fear I may experience. In Jesus' name, Amen.