Fear Not This Christmas! Good News!
While negative news the economy is dominating our minds and wars and violence plague our world, there remains the promise of “Good News to All People”.
Leading up to one of the more famous prophecies of Jesus’ birth are some verses that have equal impact for us today as we approach another Christmas celebration. Consider Isaiah 7. The Israelites had divided loyalties into two nations and were fighting among themselves while warring with other nations of the world. They faced economic struggles and did not experience the prosperous “land of milk and honey” they had after Moses’ reign. They were in constant turmoil.
Read the words given to Isaiah “And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands…” (Isaiah 7:4 ESV) That verse is a great reminder to me that God is fully able to meet all my needs, handle my every concern, and calm my every fear.
God then tells Isaiah that none of the enemies against Jerusalem would stand. Then God shares this sobering reminder: “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” (Isaiah 7:9 ESV) The Bible follows this with the familiar prophecy of Jesus in Isaiah 7:14, which says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Let me ask you to consider your approach to Christmas this year. Are you afraid? Are you in panic mode? Do you fear the worst?
Now let me ask a more poignant question. Do you doubt the promise of God through Jesus? When the angels appeared to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, they repeated this prophecy. This is what they had to say, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 ESV)
Two thousand years after the angel’s proclamation, the birth of Jesus is still good news! In fact, it is the greatest news the world has ever known! Are you allowing that truth to determine your Christmas spirit this year?
Fear not!
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