December 24, 2018
Luke 2:10-14
Luke 2:10-11, “The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.”
Follow:
• to go, proceed, or come after
• to engage in as a calling or way of life
• to walk or proceed along
• to be or act in accordance with
• to accept as authority
• to pursue in an effort to overtake
• to seek to attain
• to come into existence or take place as a result or consequence of
• to come or take place after in time, sequence, or order
• to copy after
• to watch steadily
• to keep the mind on
• to attend closely
• to keep abreast of
• to understand the sense or logic of (something, such as a line of thought)
• to subscribe to the feed of (someone or something) especially on social media
• to go or come after a person or thing in place, time, or sequence
• to result or occur as a consequence, effect, or inference
• as comes next
• to go in a straight or obvious course
• to follow an example set
Don’t be afraid! This phrase appears in the Bible approximately 365 times per my “Google” search!
Welcome Christmas Eve, this is a time of waiting, preparing and hoping. It’s a time of uncertainty, a time of trusting. Just as the shepherds were told by the angels to not be afraid, Jesus is telling us not to be afraid. Jesus is calling us to follow Him, Jesus has overcome all obstacles this life has to offer and He was triumphant and victorious! The writer of the pamphlet reminds us that change is frightening. It’s also been said that change is hard and difficult, I find change to be very challenging, it’s making a deliberate action to do something we would normally not do. That indeed is scary! I struggle when life throws me a curveball, when my routine changes, I get comfortable and even develop some stubbornness. Now, with that being said, I have found surprising results when I have relented and moved with changes. Changes are happening all the time, we only really notice them when they have a direct impact or effect upon our lives. Change is good, I have found out. We get to see life through a different lens, experience life in a new way. It can be freeing to let go of things no longer needed or even of value. Following Jesus is a surrender of self to Jesus and to seek His will for our lives.
The birth of Jesus changed the world and it sent the world into a tilt-a-whirl! I know that Jesus was born over two thousand years ago, yet I am excited about His birth today, filled with anticipation just like the wise men and the shepherds. We still seek Jesus, the child at this season. We recognize the sacrifice of leaving heaven, being born into less than perfect conditions and lived a challenging life. He led by example and loves all creation.
Fear is a liar, it keeps you from being the person you were created to be. Let your light shine, follow Jesus to great expectations. Do Not Be Afraid!
Prayer: Lord, may I fear not and live in joy! Amen.
Thank you for you support, your prayers and for sharing this Advent journey with me, it has been a blessing.
~Peace and Blessings~
References:
The C. S. Lewis Bible NRSV
The Holy Bible CEB
HOPE SEEKER 
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