Carols Devotional: “It’s About Overcoming Fear”

Christmas: It’s about overcoming fear

“But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer” (Luke 1:13)

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

“Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” (Matthew 1:20)

‘Don’t be afraid.’ Each time the angel of the Lord appeared to the characters of the Christmas story, he first commanded them not to be afraid.  This commandment was then followed by a promise. It seems that before any of them could take hold of a divine promise, they first had to be coached out of fear.

Just like Zechariah, Joseph, and Mary, we are fragile humans fighting to trust God despite a stubborn inclination towards fear.  When we contend for God’s promises, we first have to make a choice between faith and fear.  The two cannot coexist together.

In the Christmas story, Elizabeth affirms Mary, calling her “blessed because [she] believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:45). Mary was blessed because she believed. She witnessed a promise fulfilled because she chose faith.

God in His grace continues to stage glorious interventions through the deliberate faith of fragile humans.  We share in the promise delivered to Mary in believing that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37) when we partner with faith, not fear.

What specific fears and anxieties can you release today? Ask God to grow your faith. Ask Him to give eyes to see the promise ahead.

Bekah DiFelice