Jesus prepares his followers for his own exodus from the mortal life to the eternal. After taking Peter, James and John up the mountain to witness his own transfiguration, he tells them words that engender hope, the words he always tells us: Do not be afraid.
And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and donotbeafraid.” (Matthew 17:7)
Jesus feels compassion for the women who tend to him so faithfully. Knowing that their fidelity is an exemplar to all of us, Jesus says the words he says to all of us: Do not be afraid.
The angel said to the women, “Donotbeafraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. (Matthew 28:5)
Jesus feels deep love for those who want to follow him, knowing that their journey will be difficult. To them and to us Jesus lovingly says: Do not be afraid.
Then Jesus said to them, “Donotbeafraid; go and take word to my brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)
Years after Jesus tells those closest to him that he wants to bring unity out of division, he tells each of us that he wants to erase all fear and division. Jesus tells all of creation that fidelity helps us to see how love converts all harm to good, hope sustains all life through turmoil, and love brings all light from darkness.
Today we might ask, “How can we bring faith, hope and love into our lives every day as we are poised to begin a new year?”
Although Christmastide has closed, we continue to reflect on the many ways God says to us, “Do not be afraid. I live within you always”.
Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre: The Adoration of the Shepherds
John reminds us that the one sure antidote against fear is love.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. (NASB)
John tells us that the power of love overcomes the power of evil, always.
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. (GNT)
John reminds us that all love that emanates from God has the power to heal and transform.
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.There is no room in love for fear.Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. (MSG)
John tells us that as we grow in love and in Christ, we no longer are a harbor of fear.
Today, as we reflect on our fears, we might ask ourselves, “In this new year, how might we make ourselves ready to grow in love?”
Although Christmastide has closed, we continue to reflect on the confidence God’s words bring to us, “There is no room in love for fear”.
We enter a new year, a time of replenishment and restoration. We look for a new message of transformed hope. A new sign of renovating freedom. We await a new pronouncement of the words we need to hear: Do not be afraid.
And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do notbeafraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; (NASB)
Saul, the persecutor of early Christ-followers, encounters the risen Christ and learned that his fears have no meaning in this kingdom of Jesus. He now believes the words: Do not be afraid.
One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up. (GNT)
Saul the persecutor, blind for a time, trusts God’s plan as he shares the Good News that Christ’s new coming brings new hope and new meaning.
One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.” That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians. (MSG)
Saul the persecutor becomes Paul the Apostle, sharing the Good News that hope is alive, rebirth and transformation are possible, and fear is only for those who refuse to believe.
Centuries after Paul shares his news with anyone who will listen, he tells each of us that there is no reason for fear or division.
Today, as we reflect on the journey the magi make to worship the new king, we might ask ourselves, “What journey we are willing to make? And what are we willing to put aside in this new year as a sign that we refuse to surrender to fear?”
Although Christmastide has closed, we continue to reflect on the transformative power of God’s words to us, “Do not be afraid”.
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, “Donotbeafraid, 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, “Donotbeafraid, 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, “Donotbeafraid; 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, “Donot beafraid 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, donotbeafraid 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.
Donotbeafraid, 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”.
As we move from through the Christmas season, let us decide to make our hopes tangible, our dreams a prayer for our reality, our faith unwavering and our love secure. Let us cleave to the Creator, follow the Redeemer and rest in the Spirit. This week let us give one another the gift of preparing for the very real promise of eternity.
The high priest Zechariah learns patience so that he might behold Emmanuel, God Among Us. While he awaits the birth of his only child who will become the announcer and baptizer of the Christ, he waits in patient hope until the day his speech returns.
And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” (Luke 1:20)
The girl Mary learns that God can do the impossible when the angel Gabriel visits her with the astounding news that she will bring the Light of the World to waiting humanity.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. (Luke 1:31)
Mary learns the astounding news that her elderly cousin Elizabeth has conceived life. An affirmation that with God, all things are possible.
And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. (Luke 1:36)
Mary learns that her confidence in God is rewarded as she responds with her, “Yes,” to God’s invitation to enter into union with all of creation in a most special way.
And Mary said, “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)
Elizabeth learns that her young cousin Mary is the new ark of the new Word. These kinswomen greet one another just as each of us might if we understand God’s message of hope.
For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. (Luke 1:44)
The marginalized shepherds learn the redeeming news that the Messiah has come to live among them as a vulnerable child.
But the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; (Luke 2:10)
The wise man Simeon learns that his outrageous hope has been rewarded. He has met the Savior of the World, just as God has promised.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— (Luke 2:34)
The woman Mary learns that this child she must share with world for the redemption of all is fully human and fully divine.
When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” (Luke 2:48)
Each of us is given the opportunity on this Good Night to become apostles of Christ. Each of us might carry Christ within and share him with the world. Each of us truly human and truly divine as our brother Jesus tells us. Each of us is given the gift of this Nochebuena, this wonderful Good Night. Let us rejoice with the shepherds. Let us give our confident “yes” to God’s plan. And let us behold the marvelous gift we hold in our hands.
These verses are taken from the NASB translation of Luke. Other versions open this story so that our ears might hear, our eyes might see, and our hearts might open wide to welcome Christ into our lives in a very real, very human, very divine way.
As we move from through the Christmas season, let us decide to make our hopes tangible, our dreams a prayer for our reality, our faith unwavering and our love secure. Let us cleave to the Creator, follow the Redeemer and rest in the Spirit. This week let us give one another the gift of preparing for the very real promise of eternity.
The prophet Malachi communicates God’s words to us.
Behold, I am going to send youElijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of theLord.He will restore the hearts of the fathers totheirchildren and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come andsmite the land with acurse. (NASB)
Elijah was able to perform miracles just as Jesus did in his own day and even in this present time. Malachi advises that we might want to look forward in hope rather than backward in fear.
But also look ahead: I’m sending Elijah the prophet to clear the way for the Big Day of God—the decisive Judgment Day! He will convince parents to look after their children and children to look up to their parents. If they refuse, I’ll come and put the land under a curse. (MSG)
That day is great for some and dreadful for others. As followers of Christ we are convinced that God’s “greatness” is with us in every moment and in every place. We are also convinced that Jesus searches for every last sheep, for every hard heart, for every broken soul.
A stained-glass window featuring the prophet Elijah, Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, England
Behold I will send you Elias the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come, and strike the earth with anathema. (DRA)
And as followers of Christ, we are also convinced that the Spirit works to remove all anathema, to heal all destruction and to bring about complete transformation for all.
But before the great and terrible day of theLord comes, I will send you the prophet Elijah.He will bring fathers and children together again; otherwise I would have to come and destroy your country. (GNT)
Malachi calls out to us across the millennia: Behold, Emmanuel is among you. Awake. Rise up.And Malachi asks that we give witness to the enormity of the gift we find in our hands, the gift of God’s infinite peace, Christ’s overflowing compassion, and the Spirit’s miraculous renewal.
When we compare varying versions of these verses, we behold the enormity of God’s gift that we receive without asking.
N.B. Some versions of Malachi number this citation as 3:23-24.
For more about Malachi, the last of the minor prophets, or Elijah, the prophet who life is described in the Books of Kings, click on their names and/or images above.
As we move from the Advent to the Christmas season, let us decide to make our hopes tangible, our dreams a prayer for our reality, our faith unwavering and our love secure. Let us cleave to the Creator, follow the Redeemer and rest in the Spirit. This week let us give one another the gift of preparing for the very real promise of eternity.
From the first moment of creation, God has each of us in mind.
God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (NASB)
From the dawning of the first day, God plants hope for union in each of us.
God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came – that was the sixth day. (GNT)
From the beginning of time, God insists on being faithful to us.
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day. (CJB)
From the beginning of God’s plan, we are loved into goodness.
God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good! It was evening, it was morning— Day Six. (MSG)
Behold, God has made all things in and for us. Let us remember that each is important to the whole.
When we reflect on varying versions of the creation story, we begin to understand just how much God loves us.
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the HolySpirit that has been given to us. (NSRV)
Avoiding sorrow, we forfeit an opportunity to grow in God’s love.
Rejecting obstacles, we lose our intimacy with Christ.
Refusing to see that goodness overcomes harm, we reject the healing touch of the Spirit.
Surviving through faith, we receive hope.
Living in Christ, we experience peace and grace.
Handing ourselves over to God’s offer of love, we grow in endurance.
Resting in grief, we blossom in grace to develop patience that carries us home.
When we use the scripture link and the drop-down menus, we come to see that adversity trains us in the development of patience, a patience that will serve us in our journey home.
It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. (MSG)
Paul describes something that happens to each of us. Our best intentions succumb to our desire to control our environment. Our most outrageous hopes falter when we face ominous obstacles alone. Our deepest faith falters when the reality of the world crowds our thinking. We cannot understand how loving those who hate us will bring an end to all that plagues society.
Who will rescue me from this body bound for death? (CJB)
Despite all that looks dark in the world, Christ brings us light. Despite all that threatens to pull us under, the Spirit raises us up.
This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God’s law only with my mind. (GNT)
When events loom, when life overwhelms, when hope abandons and faith cannot abide, we are left with the only law that matters. Christ’s unfailing, always-saving, eternal Law of Love.
The Noontimes 
