Read:

Luke 2:10-11 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

Think:

The words "Do not be afraid" echo throughout the Christmas story like a reassuring anthem. It's almost as if God anticipated the turmoil and uncertainties we'd face in life, sending his presence to gift us with perfect peace. Yet in the midst of this festive season, worries can swarm around us like a cloud—money, relationships, work, world issues.

Anxiety tends to be a go-to response for many. Some talk it out, while others bottle it up. Some try to outrun their fears, pouring themselves into work or distractions. But here's the thing: Christmas, for all its glitz and glamor, can actually stir up more anxiety than joy. That's where the Christmas story hits differently. Take Mary, for instance—pregnant out of wedlock, facing judgment and shame. Then there's Joseph, grappling with the unexpected news of his soon-to-be wife's pregnancy. And don't get me started on the shepherds, expecting a normal night only to have the serenity of a starlit night disrupted by the unexplainable.

This Christmas story? It wasn't a fairy tale. It was real-life fear, stigma, and unexpected disruption. Yet right in the middle of it all, hope was born.

God came into this world in the rawness of poverty, amid fear and violence. But here's the message that rang out to everyone involved: "Do not be afraid." It's as if God is whispering to us, amidst our fears and struggles, saying, "Trust Me. Trust me in the emptiness of your house or bank account. Trust me in the brokenness, the chaos, the messiness of life."

So, today, if your heart needs calming, perhaps it's time to invite him in. Ask him to walk with you through this season, amidst the messiness and the challenges. He's there, offering peace amid the chaos. Trust him to walk right beside you.

Apply:

Invite God into your fears and concerns, asking for his presence and peace to fill your heart. Surrender your worries to him, trusting that he is with you in every situation.

Prayer:

Lord, in a world often filled with fear and turmoil, remind us of the peace you promised through your Son. As we navigate life's challenges, may your words, "Do not be afraid," resonate in our hearts, guiding us toward your perfect peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.