Linck Govert Teunisz: Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds
Luke: Do Not Fear – Part V
Friday, January 5, 2024
Do not be afraid. We need to hear these words. We need to share these words. We need to use these words every day.
The angel of the Lord speaks to the high priest Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, assuring his that the Living God was making the impossible possible in their lives.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. (Luke 1:13)
The angel of the Lord speaks to the girl Mary, the mother of Jesus, assuring her that the Living God was entering her life in a special way.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:30)
The angel of the Lord speaks to shepherds who guard their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth, assuring them that a newness has just entered into a weary world.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)
Jesus speaks to Jairus, a synagogue leader, assuring him that his daughter is alive and has not died.
But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” (Luke 8:50)
Jesus speaks to the people, assuring them that the darkness of the world can be dissipated by the light of truth and peace.
“I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. (Luke 12:4)
Jesus speaks to his followers, assuring them that the evil of the world is transformed by love.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
Anton Raphael Mengs: Dream of Saint Joseph
Lifetimes after these verses are recorded, we remind ourselves that the impossible is possible with God. All harm becomes goodness through God. Darkness becomes light. Despair becomes home. Doubt becomes faith. Evil becomes love. And for all of these reasons, we need not fear.
Today we might ask, “How do we live in order to remember that we need not be afraid? How do we live in such a way that we demonstrate our understanding that God is everywhere and lives in us? And how do we share this Good News in our thoughts words and deeds?
In Matthew 1:19, An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. To learn why, visit: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/why-did-joseph-plan-to-divorce-mary
Throughout Christmastide, we continue to remember God’s words, “Do not be afraid”.
Images from: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yimcatholic/2011/12/because-tradition-says-december-25-is-when-christ-was-born.html and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anton_Raphael_Mengs_-_The_Dream_of_St._Joseph_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
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