Fear Not, My Friend

They were amazing words, echoing across the sheep-filled grasses, a billion blinking stars danced in approval

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Still, the shepherds trembled. And the words of reassurance came from the angel. “Fear not.”

It was a common theme in preparation for the baby’s birth. When Zacharias was in the temple, he heard “Fear Not.” When the angel appeared to Mary, he said, “Fear Not.”

Why should anyone fear an angel? Why should anyone fear words that bring such good news? Why should anyone fear the Christmas message?

But it’s true. We are afraid.We were afraid then. And we are afraid now.

I have a friend who will not come to a 45-minute Christmas Eve service. He is content to watch A Christmas Story on television, only to be interrupted every 12 minutes with ads about the latest sedan or dishsoap. Maybe there will be a good rerun on later. Maybe someone will call. Maybe.

The box of Queen Anne Cherries sits next to his chair while the blinking lights flash from his neighbors house bounce off his drawn curtains.

He is alone. And deep down he is afraid of the angel’s message. He is afraid that his persona of hating organized religion will crumble when faced with a personal Jesus. He is afraid that the truth he has seen so clearly might just invade his heart. He is afraid that after all of these years of resistance, that he’ll actually give in to someone greater than he. So he clings to the fear, ignoring the words of the angel.

Fear not, my friend. Fear not.

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
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