“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10).
Marty is a single mom trying very hard to provide for her family of three boys. Christmas at their home wouldn’t have been nearly as festive and special had it not been for her mom and dad. Grandpa and Grandma had been there through the best of times and worst of times with Marty and her boys. Eight-year-old Jonas came up with the funniest thoughts, even though he wasn’t really trying to be funny. “What stands out the most to you about the Christmas story?” Grandpa asked him one night. “Who would you have liked to have been, if you had the choice?” Grandpa continued. “That’s easy. I’d like to be the angel!” he immediately replied. Grandfather was overjoyed, thinking his young grandson was eager to tell others about the Lord Jesus. Not so much! “Yep, Grandpa, I’d like to be the angel ‘cause he got to scare everybody!” Jonas said emphatically and with that, he was off. As Grandfather thought about it, he chuckled but did also realize that in several places between Matthew and Luke, the angel often did say, “Fear not!” What a message he brought.
For today: There are four “Fear Nots” found in Matthew and Luke. Can you find them? I’ll share them with you tomorrow. It is wonderful that God has such great news for us.