Advent Thoughts #18 - December 17

There are a lot of "do not fear" statements in the Christmas story. Ever noticed? As I was re-reading the various accounts in the four gospels, the "do not fear" comments (mostly from a visiting angel) were spoken to a number of the critical players in the nativity story. However, there was one spoken to Joseph that leapt off the page and into my heart:

Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit...all this has taken place to fulfill what the Lord spoke to the prophet, Isaiah, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and he shall be called, Immanuel (which means, God with us)."

Matthew 1:20, 23

Talk about a fearful season for all the principle characters necessary to bring God's Son into and up in this world. Each found themselves constantly under a cloud of threat, fear of the future, and the possibilities of imminent death. Yet, over and over again, that visiting angel spoke words of assurance, "Do not fear..." Do not fear for God has come to you. Do not fear for God is now with you. Do not fear you are never alone. Do not fear for He will save you.  Do not fear, your prayers have been heard. Do not fear for I have brought you tidings of great joy.

"Do not fear!" is an integral part of the Advent Story...

We may not have an angel visit us today in our dreams, in a vision, or in person. Yet, we have this truth tucked away in the lines of the Jesus-story with which we can cling: He is with us...always! Even unto the end of the age!

Jesus Christ: the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Sovereign God.
The in-charge-I-AM, who oversees every outcome for a good we may not currently see, who will accomplish what He purposes, is the God of the Details.
This God is with me.
Do.Not.Fear.
Advent is near!