We can only imagine the anxious thoughts, fear, and worry that Mary must have felt when told she was going to conceive, and give birth to the son of God, who would be called Jesus. What comforting and soothing words were spoken to her--"do not be afraid." (And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31)

Her whole life had changed with this incredible, unexpected, even shocking, news. Mary went from being a young engaged girl, to a woman who would experience change in her body, and her life, as she became pregnant with the Christ child. She waited all those months while pregnant, not knowing what the future would hold. I’m sure she had a million questions that flooded her mind: "Where will we go, what will we do, how will we get through this, and do I have the strength to make it?" 

These are the same kind of questions you have when the unexpected, often shocking, news comes—we have to move, we’re losing our home, we’re without a job, our savings is gone, our marriage is strained. You ask yourself, “Where will we go, what will we do, how will we get through this, and do I have the strength to make it?”

In Luke 2:8-12, the story continues to unfold as we read that even the shepherds were terribly frightened when they were given the news of Jesus’ birth. Again, the angel said, “Do not be afraid…”  

The words of the angel, ”Do not be afraid…” must have calmed both Mary and the shepherds' anxious thoughts and fears as their minds were reeling from the news given to them.  They must have, in some way, been comforted by hearing those four words.

If your world has been rocked by unexpected news, if fear and worry have overcome you--do not be afraid! Let those words resonate in your mind and in your heart. You can have hope for tomorrow because you have the good news today that there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! Jesus is with you, in all things, and through all things. May you abide in Him, and Him in you, as you face tomorrow. May His peace surround you, and may you feel the comfort of His presence.  

Scripture to Remember:
“…behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” Luke 2:10-11

Question to Consider:
Am I putting my trust in Jesus, or in my circumstances?

Prayer:
Lord, give me the boldness and confidence to face the coming year without being afraid. Increase my faith as I trust in you. Cover me with your love and peace. Grant me mercy in the days ahead. Amen

Thought for the Day:
I may not know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future!