Read: Luke 2:8-14
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy. (v. 10)
It’s one thing to see a satellite picture on TV of a hurricane swirling around the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a very different thing to watch the sky as dark bands circle overhead casting torrents of rain, feel hurricane-force winds ramming the house, and hear gales tearing amidst trees and screaming through pool enclosures. I recognize I am pitifully weak against the immensity, power, and terror of the storm. It’s much bigger than me.
God is infinitely more immense, more powerful, and more terrifying than any hurricane. Like the shepherds in our reading, I’m sure I would fall down in fear if God or one of his angels revealed themselves to me.
God created us in his image (Gen. 1:26). When we truly seek God to know his character and realize his presence, we become acutely aware of our failures. We aren’t living up to our calling as images of God. We also recognize that God, in his holiness, could cast us away.
But an astounding thing happens when we fall down before God in humble fear, acknowledging who he is and our need for forgiveness—he says, “Fear not.”
The good news of great joy is that Jesus came to this earth to save us. His death on the cross paid the penalty that is due to us. When we accept Jesus’s gift of salvation, we no longer need to fear God’s wrath, but instead, rejoice in God’s presence and experience his peace.
As you pray, fear not, but instead, rejoice in your salvation!
About the Author
Donna M. Harold is retired from a career in accounting and consulting and lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and two cats. She serves as treasurer for her church, creates and facilitates Bible studies, and enjoys writing, mosaicking, and quilting.
