Fear of Christmas

It is that time of year the smell of pine is in the air and shops are filled with busy shoppers. Many hearts are anticipating the gifts they will open in a few days and others are flustered because they have not started shopping yet. The Christmas season is filled with many fun parties, gatherings with family and friends. The year is winding down and school is going to be out until next year! As fun as Christmas can be this season can have a behind the scenes theme for many around. The theme is fear of the future. Really am I saying some people fear Christmas time? Well some do. Some fear Christmas because they are not looking forward to that family gathering where they fear being inferior to others in their family. Fear of people not liking what they got them for Christmas, Fear of the financial burden they now face because they over spent. Others are fearful because of what is to come after the Christmas, the fear of the unknown.
 Believe it or not one of the many stories we hear about at Christmas had a moment of fear as well.  

In Luke 2: 8-20: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
 
Did you read that the shepherds were terrified!! They were so scared the angel had to tell them to not be afraid. See they were so scared if the angel would not have told them they would have missed out on the best news they were ever given the birth of Christ. Fear can cripple you from being able to enjoy the best parts of what God is doing in your life.  We can not let fear keep us from hearing the news God wants us to have which is the Christ triumphs all and that he has a plan for each and every person.  So this Christmas if you feel fear rise up in your spirit declare to yourself! “ Do not be afraid, A Savior is born and he is Christ the Lord!”  Declare that Jesus is your comfort and reigns in you not fear! Be encouraged this season sweet girl! Jesus is born!!!!! He is lives and reigns on the throne of God and he is blessing you daily!!!

​Written by: Rebeccah