Angels are an intrinsic and dynamic part of the Christmas story. Christmas simply would not have happened without these God-sent messengers from heaven. We don’t know whether or not the angels were clothed in flowing, white robes, whether they had a halo that was sparkling or even whether or not they flew with wings into the Christmas scene, but what we do know is that these angels carried the heart of God concerning the momentous event that was about to take place!
Angels appear four times in the traditional Christmas story and each time, although they carried different pieces of information concerning what was to happen, their message is always the same, “Do not be afraid!” It was what the angel said first to Zachariah, then to Mary, then to Joseph and finally to the shepherds on the hillside.
“Do not be afraid!”
I believe that this may be the message that heaven is sending to your heart this Christmas season. Christmas plainly declares that Jesus and fear are mutually exclusive. When Jesus arrives on the scene, there is no reason to be afraid. His presence powerfully removes any reason for fear.
It is time for you to step away from your fear and into His presence. I pray that this Christmas, and for every day of the coming year, you will realize that when Jesus has been birthed in your heart, there is absolutely no reason for fear or worry. The message of Christmas has not changed much in 2,000 years and I can guarantee that the words of the angels are still ringing clearly into our 21st Century world, “Do not be afraid!”
When your circumstances are falling apart, remind yourself, “Do not be afraid!”
When there is not enough money to pay the bills, remind yourself, “Do not be afraid!”
When you are dealing with disappointment, pain or loneliness, remind yourself, “Do not be afraid!”
God has promised that He would give His peace to those whose hearts and minds are fully stayed on Him. Peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God. And because of Jesus, this Christmas, and every Christmas, you can rest in His overwhelming and satisfying peace!
I’ve been reading the Joy! to Your World! A Countdown to Christmas Reading Plan at YouVersion.com. You might enjoy it, or one of the many other plans that are available. Check it out.
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