December 11 - Fear Not

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people'" (Luke 2:10 NKJV)

The first words from heaven when Jesus was born were "Do not be afraid." The shepherds were used to the fields, the cold, everything about their line of work, but they were not used to the glory of God bursting through the darkness.

Jesus came to remove our deepest fears. The fear of death, the fear of judgment, the fear of being separated from God forever - all of these fears are answered by the gospel. When the angel said this was "good tidings of great joy which will be to all people," he was announcing that salvation was not limited to one nation or one type of person.

The message behind the story was: Don't be afraid. I'm giving you a message of great joy. It will be for all people. This salvation is available to everyone, just as the sheep that the shepherds cared for would be sacrificed for the sins of the people. Jesus would be the greatest Sacrifice because He only needed to be sacrificed once for all people for all time.

This message was being given to shepherds because God's salvation is for everyone - not just the educated, wealthy, or influential, but for ordinary working people like you and me.

Reflection Question: What fears in your life need to hear the "fear not" message of the gospel?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news that Jesus came to take away my deepest fears. Help me remember that the gospel is truly good news of great joy. When anxiety tries to overwhelm me, remind me of what Christ accomplished. Help me live with the courage that comes from knowing I am safe in Your love. In Jesus' Name, amen.