Have you ever noticed the overarching message throughout the Christmas story? In both Matthew’s and Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus there is a repeated angelic message to humankind: “Do not be afraid.”
- “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13).
- “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).
- “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife” (Matthew 1:20).
- “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people” (Luke 2:10).
Why all this fear? Quite simply sin brings fear: Fear of God’s impending judgment. But the canceling power is Jesus. In the Christmas carol Joy To The World there are powerful, fear-lifting words in the third verse:
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
His blessing comes to bring joy wherever the curse of sin has brought fear! Jesus defeats sin, and so therefore His joy displaces all fear!
- “His mercy extends to those who fear Him” (Luke 1:50).
- “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people…. To show mercy to our fathers…. To enable us to serve Him without fear…. To give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:68, 72, 75, 77).
- “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
- “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Sin forgiven. Curse canceled. Fear removed. Joy has come because Jesus has come.
My prayer for you is that you are living without fear because you are living without sin. It’s only possible because Jesus came for you. Merry CHRISTmas!
December 25, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Merry Christmas Dear Owens Family!!
This post is excellent for CHRISTmas. Today I celebrate ALL that being “In Christ” avails to me.
I do well not to forget the gripping fear that a lifestyle of sin brought. My sin and fear progressed to the point of virtual madness.
Thank God that now, as you said, Joy has come! My joy is full as I daily reset my compass on the Truth that Jesus has come to save me from the penalty of and participation in sin. Some days I require a mid-day time-out to reset.
…you shall call His name Jesus, which means
Savior, for He will save His people from their sins
that is, prevent them from failing and missing the
true end and scope of life, which is God.
Matt 1:21 Amp.
semi paraphr.
Enjoying the fearless life of submission to God is the means to a desired end. Our specially appointed desired ends will include serving the lost, harvest work, and mentoring. What a trade off!! Sin’s fear for His Fullness.
Happy Birthday Jesus, SO GLAD YOU CAME!
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December 25, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Kelly,
You nailed it! Wow… I think I should sign you up as a guest blogger. I’m so excited to hear about the joy of Jesus in you. Please keep the positive words coming.
Blessings,
CTO
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