Read: Luke 2:1-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1)
When I was a child, my grandmother took it upon herself to do something my parents never would have: she gave me money to memorize Bible verses. I received nickels for every verse I could recite. The practice had its desired effect. I memorized Scripture, scores of verses that have stayed with me all my life. I cannot count the number of times when, in seasons of struggle, I have found myself thinking, “Of whom shall I be afraid?”
How appropriate that on the night when God’s perfect love was revealed in the form of a baby born in a barn, heaven’s first words to earth were “Fear not” (Luke 2:10). To live unafraid does not mean that scary things will never happen to you (the angels were pretty scary, after all). It means knowing that whatever happens to you, God is with you, taking the worst and using it for some redemptive purpose. Whatever frightening issues you are facing today, you are not alone. “I am with you always,” said Jesus, “to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
What are you afraid of? Name your fears. Say them out loud. Now, do you think God is frightened by the things that frighten you? Do you think God is intimidated by the things that threaten to overwhelm you? Despite their fear, the shepherds didn’t miss the good news and neither should you. —Lou Lotz
Today’s Activity: Name, write down, or draw your fears, and prayerfully give them to God.
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
