A Thought For The Week Of December 24

"... the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10) They may be the most widely used words in the Gospels - sometimes coming from Jesus, in this case, as part of the Christmas story, coming from angels: "Do not be afraid." I wonder why they're used so often? And why are they a part of the Christmas story? What's to be feared about a baby being born? That's a wonderful, exciting and joyous event, isn't it. Well, usually. But when you think about it in the context of the Christmas story - maybe there's something different going on with the birth of THIS baby. Perhaps the message is that, as comforting as it should be, the coming near of God actually makes us nervous. What's God going to do? Does it mean trouble? Have we been good enough? The approach of God in whatever form perhaps causes an immediate reaction of apprehension. And then come the words "do not be afraid." We have no reason to fear the approach of God - because God has come for us, and for our sakes, and for our well-being. God has come to give us life. The approach of God is good news of great joy - for all people. The approach of God is the approach of love in its purest and most noble form. This week of Christmas, this divine love that came to us and lived among us in Jesus is what we celebrate. Indeed, we are not afraid - because God is with us! Have a blessed Christmas, and a blessed week!