Faith Over Fear

I was a greeter at my church last weekend. Arrayed in my mask in keeping with CDC guidelines, as well as six-feet social distancing, I was game-on! I love being a greeter, from my own experience of being greeted by a friendly face. It’s heart-warming to notice being noticed. At my church, which holds 1,200 people, we are at 50% -- following all the rules with an empty pew between pews and at least six-feet apart in the pews. I’m still trying to get used to the masks – especially when my breath fogs up my glasses. 🤓

I amused myself in between greeting people to take a look at our weekend bulletin. The title on the front of it was “Faith Over Fear”. I stopped in my tracks. “Faith Over Fear” is the caption on my black face mask. I think: “God, you are doing your best to get us, ME, to get that message, aren’t You?”

Of course He is. Our Gospel reading that weekend, was about the storm – the winds and the waves -- that increased in hostility to the boat that was carrying the disciples to the other side of the sea. Jesus was exhausted after feeding the 5,000+, but He couldn’t help but notice them struggling from His peaceful place on the mountain. I have a clear visual of this scene because of my trip to Israel and on my favorite place -- the Sea of Galilee. It still amazes me that that relatively small body of water could blow up such a storm – but it did that day. Jesus walked to them on water and the disciples thought He was a ghost. But, like He said time and again – through the angels who said at His birth “Do not be afraid” and to His Mother when Gabriel appeared to tell her she would be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and bear a son, “Do not be afraid” and to us today and every day: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” -- Matthew 14:27

He is our same Lord and Savior today Who sees us -- right where we are and He knows our fears, concerns and anxieties. He speaks to us the same words of reassurance and hope that He spoke to His followers: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." May we rest in His promise that He is with us and will faithfully take us through the storms and to the other side.

Mary’s Assignment – My Assignment

I’ve received many assignments from God in my life – many that involved the care for those closest to me, several in my places of employment, others that took us from one state to another, to another country and back to the U.S., missions’ assignments and other assignments that focused on me.

This week, of all times of the year, I am on an assignment to help my Frisco children get packed up and moved from their home that sold at a surprising time-of-the-year (right here at Christmas) and then helping them move and unpack at their new home – just a few miles away. The timing wasn’t exactly according to our plans. It could have easily come in the warmer, less busy time of the year! But God knew and He is the way-maker -- and His ways are higher and better than our ways! God is the Master of assigning and giving sweet assurances along the way -- and even many little miracles come that assures us “this is God’s perfect timing”.

My kids aren't the first to have received an assignment that wasn’t planned or expected. Just look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her change of plans was much greater than a few-miles- down-the-road move. Let’s picture her -- engaged to a great guy. Wedding plans in motion. Excitement is building about "the day"! But, then, her dreams are interrupted: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.’” (Luke 1:30-31) When Mary received this news, she didn’t react in fear or doubt. Instead her reaction was grounded in faith: “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38)

Mary responded with confidence because her confidence began with her relationship with God. She built her confidence in Him, not on something that was outside her control. Not on someone, like Joseph. For all she knew, he would leave her once he learned she was pregnant. Did Mary understand everything God was doing? Unlikely. Or resent what He was doing? Doesn’t appear so. Would others judge her? No doubt they would, but Mary didn’t allow people’s opinions to prevent her from embracing God’s calling, even if she didn’t understand it. The lack of details didn’t impact her confidence in His plans for her life, nor her trust in Him to take care of her.

I’m desperately trying to follow Mary’s lead. I’m learning that confidence built on people or positions is a confidence built on unsolid ground. Someone, something or some place will let us all down at some point. When we build our confidence on Christ when difficult times come, our foundation will be firm in Him. The Lord uses changes and moves to faithfully bring us to a place where our gifts will grow. We should always know, just like He was to Mary, the Lord is always faithful.

Hebrews 10:35-36, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”.

“Do Not Fear” Seems to be a Theme Here

Those three words “Do not fear” pack a punch, don’t they? While I stay on the bandwagon about living by trust and faith, the fact is I am not so Pollyanna-ish that I am unaware of the fears we all face: taking care of bills, repairs, health concerns, pain and struggling relationships, etc.. And, I'm very cognizant of the seriousness of those who are at the end of their rope in coping with fear. It is no laughing and quick-fix matter.

So where do we start when worry, fear and concern dominate our lives? Can we live above our fears? Or at least quiet their gnarly voices? I really feel this season puts the answers for us in neon, flashing lights. By this season I don’t mean the "Christmas carols playing, Santa ho-ho-hoing, colored lights and sentimental old Christmas movies." I mean how Christmas can point us to deeper sources of hope, courage and fearlessness.

Those of us in the Christian tradition believe that this time of year presents us with the answers we need that can change the whole picture. No wonder the angels announce to the main characters in this drama, “Do not be afraid.” Mary hears it. Joseph hears it. The shepherds, scared witless by all the radiance in the sky, hear it from a chorus of angels. No wonder “Don’t be afraid” appears in the Bible more than 100 times.

It sure sounds like God delights in turning around “fearing times into holy, providential moments" of His presence and His promises to keep us in spite of times of fear.

But God. The ONE and ONLY -- the same God Who told Mary, Joseph and the shepherds to not be afraid, is still telling us "Do not be afraid." The "Do Not Fear" words don’t sound like a suggestion to me. Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear?

Throughout the Bible we learn that our Lord is a Lord of miracles and we are not to fear or have a lack of trust, because all of it, even the tough times, even in the uncertainty of the 21st century (or the 1st century) God’s plan is greater than our fears. So whether in this season, or the days to come, let’s remember that the perfect love of God casts out fear. The message of the Angel of the Lord is for every day - not just Christmas… “Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day … a SAVIOR which is Christ the LORD! (Luke 2:9-11) Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you joy. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you good news of great joy! I give you peace that passes understanding. I give the the perfect love that casts out all fear. I give you JESUS!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.” Psalm 41:1-2

Even in Messy, Whiny Days – God is Right Here

I’m here at my office desk typing this blog. My morning ritual is in progress. Wake up (thank God, I woke up), head to my office, look over my blog written yesterday with a fresh perspective, make necessary changes and publish on Facebook, Instagram, and my two blog sites. I look at my desk cluttered with papers, coupons, bills to pay, mail I haven’t opened and garage sale supplies (yes, I’m having a garage sale with my community this weekend – what a work-out that is). Please, God, don’t judge me on messiness or whininess today!

I have a lot on my plate today – some God things, but mostly Me things. I hear a voice in my head telling me what I do doesn’t really matter. It’s small stuff compared to others who are juggling way more than I am. And, not having all the responsibility that comes with raising a family, I still feel a bit overwhelmed today with “to-do’s”, meetings to determine if I should take that new ministry position, this garage sale, my volunteer job, and other commitments. But, does it all matter anyway?

It’s likely the opposing team, the enemy of my heart, that is causing this inner turmoil AND this whininess. He tries to make me feel insignificant and under-qualified. He plays a number on me. I recall a couple of days ago when my granddaughter had to let her brother use her car. She said: “I sure miss my car!” I replied “I sure miss Papa!” It put things in perspective for her and reality to me. I really do miss him when I could use his arm around my shoulder, snuggle me close into him, cheer me on and remind me “I’m here for you!”

A bad movie is playing in my mind: “You should throw in the towel and coast. You’ve earned the rest. You should sit back and let God use others. What you do doesn't really matter anyway. You should stop right now". Then into this space of doubt and anxiety, I hear God’s voice telling me I’m not alone in this “life” thing. He’s right here with me, always, still saying, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). And this too: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

If we are showing up to serve our Maker, if we are seeking to follow Him, and there is someone or some-thing trying to push us away, then we can be sure it is not God. He is not saying we are disqualified. He’s not hollering “shape up or ship out.” His instruction isn’t, “Come back when you’ve got it together.” Instead His invitation is, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

As I take hold of this truth today, my shoulders relax, my breath slows. I settle into my comfy office chair that has become a place of simple, enlightening, beautiful grace. I start typing this blog again – perhaps the words are more for me than you. I push the POST button and trust that there is someone besides me who needs an encouraging word that helps them know, they are not alone either. That whatever happens in this day and whatever we say and do, we will still have God by our side and on our side at the end of the day, telling us "You are enough!"

Tactical Warfare – Defensively and Offensively

Yesterday I posted that our “First Line of Defense”, when a negative surprise comes to take us out, should be Jesus’ words to Jairus when he was told his daughter was dead: “Do not be afraid. Only believe!” Counterattack the negative by refusing to be afraid and to believe that the story is not ending. It is just beginning and God has a plan of how the story will end.

Life can often feel like a raging battle is going on as soon as we wake up. We robotically take whatever on, doing our best to be brave, determined to trust God, read His Word, and pray, but sometimes it’s hard to create a battle plan. That's when we turn the defensive stance, to a daily faith on the offense that is:

~ Waking and proclaiming God’s truths over our lives (“God is with me, for me, above me, before me…”)
~ Moving God’s Word from our head to our heart by dwelling on it throughout the day.
~ Praying habitually -- in the car, in our home, in our free time.
~ Having a team of people to support our faith walk.
~ Praising God as we see His handiwork throughout our day.
~ Thanking God continually for all we have.

A Christian on offense moves into the battlefield not only able to withstand war but ready to win. They see not only what is coming against them, but they are prepared with a tactical plan to love when usually they’d be prone to fear. Rather than being a Chess piece, they know they are sons and daughters of the King, loved, provided for and helped along the way. They are an active force of good on the spiritual game board of good and evil. God sees their faith and willingness to prepare. He rewards them for seeking Him diligently.

This person understands it is not their own willpower that wins, it is not their mindset that overcomes, but it is the blood of Jesus that won for them. In humility, they stand under God so that He can move over their lives and into the lives of others.

My posture today is that of offense. I’m suited up and ready to go. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells me how: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Joy to the World

Those words resonated with me yesterday, especially when I was standing in an extremely long check-out line. A voice came over the loud speakers "We assure you all our available cashiers are working very hard to get you served as quickly as possible." When I arrived at the front of the line, I noticed there were only three cashiers checking out all those folks and there were five vacant cash registers. When I saw the manager making her announcement again, I said, "It looks like you don't have enough cashiers!" She replied, "We don't. We're hiring. If you know someone that needs a job, please send them our way!" With only three cashiers, however, the line went quickly and in spite of the wait, there were no Scrooges or Grinches because we were all echoing Christmas joy. We were laughing and making conversation and everyone was tolerant of the manager's dilemma. No one was complaining. We all agreed -- "It's the time of the year for Christmas cheer!"

Joy to the world! Could it be that the angel's message to the shepherds holds true today? "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY!" Christ is that good news no matter how dismal or hectic everything might be. There is good news of great joy that can change everything for us -- especially as the rest of the words in that song sink in "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart PREPARE HIM ROOM." Aw! That's the answer -- making room for JOY -- making room for Jesus..

I know it was that JOY that I sensed yesterday. I drove past a Luby's Cafeteria. I hadn't seen one in a very long time and It brought back sweet memories of my husband and I eating at Luby's. He loved cafeteria-style restaurants. I thought...."I'll visit a couple of stores in this area and time it so I can have lunch there", and I did. I chose food items we both enjoyed together . I texted my two children and told them I just had to stop and celebrate remembering how much daddy loved this place. I was embracing the memories. When I returned to my car, I remembered the little bottle of his favorite cologne that I keep in the car and gave it a spray. I teared up for a minute at the thought AND smell of him.. Just a minute because, though those were some of our best of times, I don't live there anymore. It's sweet to remember, but there's too much living for TODAY with gratitude and purpose and I began to sing "Joy to the World".

It was pre-electricity era 2,000 years ago when the dark night skies became brilliant and the angel appeared to those terrified shepherds and said , "Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people."(Luke 2:10). Those terrifying moments were replaced with good news and great joy.

Psalm 16:11 says "In His presence is fullness of joy." To have that joy, we need to make room for the JOY GIVER. Though He came as a sweet little baby boy, He is ALIVE today and is our King of Kings. We can experience His presence and know that GREAT JOY! We can experience it in the crowds at the store or at a crowded restaurant. We can experience it when facing a crisis or a disappointment or any other time of weakness.

Joy isn't the same as happiness. Happiness is based on those ooey, gooey feelings when everything is going right. But JOY is based on the CONSTANT of He Who lives big within us. He is that GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY and when we sing those words "Joy to the world, the Lord is come", we know we have found the key to joy is welcoming the JOY-GIVER inside our hearts. Let me start your day with GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY today. Go ahead. Receive this most precious Christmas gift EVER. Welcome Him -- the JOY GIVER into your heart -- into your day -- into your Christmas. I just gave you JESUS!Welcome, JOY!

At Least Take the First Step

In my “No Fear” post yesterday, I shared how proud I was of my granddaughter when we were at Six Flags Over Texas. Against her initial concerns about the wild rides that were there, she conquered her fears and in fact, exceeded our greatest expectations for her. After the first ride (her first step), she became an ambitious and relentless rider and wanted to keep riding more – long after Staci and I were ready to call it a day.
While that “no fear” story described overcoming fears about amusement park rides, I know that nowhere compares to certain fears that may be looming before you today. I know it sounds easy to say “Have no fear!” until we are facing some situations that have created fears of gigantic proportion.

In June this year, I had the time of my life and dream-come-true experience when I was riding in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and walking all over the region where Christ performed so many miracles – among which was the story of those seasoned fishermen (aka disciples) who knew the sea and everything there was to know about fishing. They had seen, survived and lived through many storms. But for all their experience and nautical knowledge, they needed to experience what it was to BELIEVE audaciously in Christ who was daily demonstrating to them on how to live with NO FEAR.

The story went like this in Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus was on the shore praying while the greatest storm of the disciples’ lives was upon them in the Sea of Galilee. They were scared out of their wits and at the end of their ropes when there came Jesus walking on the water to them. He called out to them “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” We know that Peter, as shifty in his faith as he was at times, had the courage to at least take a FIRST STEP. He didn’t have to get out of that boat to walk to Jesus. But he did. He took a chance. That was courage – holy audacity. He got out of the boat. I admire that courage and I sure can’t fault him for noticing the winds and waves even though Jesus was right in front of him. How many times have I shook from the winds and waves in my own life instead of staying constant in my laser focus on Jesus, the Peace Giver?

We know about first steps. It’s bold for a woman who is being abused to take the first step to get help. It’s bold for a man to quit his job or attend school for a better job. It’s bold for students to take the first step and stand in front of a room and give a speech. It’s bold for someone who has never traveled in an airplane, to take a flight. It’s bold for a couple to buy their first home.

Dear, try-to-do-good Peter has received so much critcism thrown at him for his failures, but you’ve got to hand it to him – he got out of the boat. He took the first step. We all need to get out of the safety of our boats. I’m not saying we should take wild chances or throw caution to the wind, but I am saying “If we hear the Master calling us to take a chance or change something in our life, then we need to get out of the boat." And when we get out of the boat, and stay focused on the Master, He will see us through to the other side. Peter met the storm head on, fought the waves and the winds and felt the awesome experience of touching the very hand of Christ – because Peter was the only one willing to get out of the boat and go toward Jesus. Peter had the courage to take that FIRST STEP out of the boat.

There are storms in every life and sometimes they feel like they’re drowning us, but in every storm, Christ is waiting with outstretched arms, to save us. If we really want water-walking faith, then it's time to get out of our boats of comfort and ease and take that FIRST STEP!

Joy to the World

What makes us all so much more joyful this time of year than any other time? Could it be that the angel's message to the shepherds holds true today? "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY!" The good news. Christ is that good news that no matter how dismal everything around us might be..,,there is always GOOD NEWS of great joy that can change everything for us.

Yesterday was my girl's birthday and it was packed full of JOY! After a precious time of birthday celebration and gift-giving -- which of itself was full of joy because of our Lexi. She had a huge, heavy bag and said as she gave it to her mother....."I know it looks like Easter threw up on it! (Meaning the colored flowers and tissue which she found that could hold all her treasures.) Staci pulled out a stuffed bunny and Israel flags and kleenexes because she knew us -- that before the day was over, we'd be crying tears of joy. Lexi said, "I needed to add a few things to weight it down." And she had other items of her own as well as a couple of things she had borrowed from her mother, and used this birthday opportunity to return them all wrapped up. She actually did have some really great real gift items at the bottom of her "Easter" bag, but the journey getting to them was, to say the least, tear-making hilarious. Yes, we were joy-filled!

We girls saw where Elevate Life Church had posted on Instagram "FREE Women's t-shirts for women who came into their bookstore and said the word "JOY". In our usual style and form, we went in singing "Joy to the World"! No, we just don't roll with a simple "JOY" -- it's gotta' be "Good tidings of GREAT JOY!

Later, we went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and, lo and behold, a youth choir from LoveJOY, Texas came in and seranaded the dinner guests with "Joy to the World" and other carols. Of course, we thought it was just for us, but since there were other customers there with us, we let them enjoy themselves as well. ;-)

Back to my first paragraph here in today's post. Great joy!! What is that joy that the angel was talking about? Let’s seriously consider that Christmas night over 2,000 years ago. It was pre-electricity era – can you imagine the terror the shepherds experienced when the dark skies became brilliant as the angel appeared to them? But the angel gave them solace when he said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people."(Luke 2:10). Those terrifying moments were replaced with good news and great joy. The first words the angel spoke were words of comfort and words of command: "Do not be afraid."

“The Bible tells us in Psalm 16:11 that ‘In His presence is fullness of joy.’ If we want joy in our life, we need to revisit the Nativity scene and realize that's where God's presence was experienced in the form of that tiny baby boy. And, I'm here to tell you today, He is now a grown-up boy -- a King -- that, daily, we can experience His presence and know that GREAT JOY! We can experience it at a birthday party or a busy restaurant. We can experience it when facing a crisis or a disappointment. Joy isn't the same as happiness. Happiness is based on those ooey, gooey feelings when everything is going right. But JOY is based on the CONSTANT of He Who lives big within us. He is that GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY and when we sing those words "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room......" That's the key....preparing room for Him inside to be the joy-giver, and peace-maker

Sincerely, God wants us to GET IT – about why He sent His Son Jesus -- the good tidings of great joy which is for all people. “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy!” I give you Jesus.

An Angel on Assignment

Day 358 of Photo Inspirations -- An Angel on Assignment

We hear a lot about angels at this time of the year -- the angel Gabriel's announcement to old Zechariah announcing that he and his old, barren wife, Elizabeth, were going to have a baby, then Gabriel appears to the virgin Mary and Joseph to announce the coming birth of Jesus, and then at the birth of Christ, angels appeared to the shepherds who were guarding their flock. So with that special awareness of angels at this time of year, to hear this sweet story a couple of nights ago, just compounded my belief that angels are really, for real and they are on assignment, even today, and at times when we least expect them.

At a dinner party on Monday night, precious Whitney Jones shared a story she had held in for fifteen years -- at least to the Wallace Family. She shared...."When I was 11 years old, I was taking care of Payton who was only about one year old. I was feeding him goldfish crackers, when all of a sudden he started choking. I patted him on his back, raised his hands in the air, but nothing seemed to help. He started turning blue. I was crying and so afraid, when all of a sudden someone burst into the room and stuck their finger into his throat and pulled out the cracker. Payton quickly recovered and was just fine. Later, I cried and cried as I told my Mom the story." Whitney went on to share how sorry she had held that story in so long, but as she sees Payton serving God and is such an amazing servant that she knows God's hands are on him. (Payton plays the piano and drums and is part of the stage crew at church. In fact, he'd live at the church if he could. He loves serving God that much.)

Indeed, an angel showed up that night for Whitney and Payton. In reality, did the angel show up for Payton's benefit, or for helping Whitney know, at that young age, that she's not alone and that she was just beginning to see God's hand of blessing on her life, and that, she too, was going to be used mightily by God? Whitney is a gifted vocalist. I heard her sing "Mary Did You Know?" in the church's Christmas program this week. There is no question that she sings from a heart that's being touched by God.

This is Whitney, her precious little one year old daughter, and Payton in my photo inspiration today. God's timing was perfect for her to share this story with us -- not only as a testimony to God's faithfulness then, but, like Mary, to know the significance of angels in her life. What a great Mom she'll be as she raises her little girl to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. Whitney learned from her experiences, just like all of us do. And those experiences are "those things that work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes". Romans 8:28.

How many times have we encountered angels and we didn't realize it? How many times have they protected us from accidents and harm? How many times did they warn us or make an announcement to us?

The angel speaking to the shepherds said, "FEAR NOT, for I bring you the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY." (Luke 2:10). And, I believe the angels are declaring those words to you and I today. It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

What is bringing you fear today? Christmas isn't a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. Listen once again to the angel's words...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news of great joy!" It is the same good news of great joy that the angels declared over 2000 years ago. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear Him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY! I give you JESUS."

DO NOT Be Afraid

Pre-electricity era – can you imagine the terror the shepherds experienced when the dark skies became brilliant when the angel appeared to them?   But the angel gave them solace when he said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people."(Luke 2:10).  Those terrifying moments  were replaced with good news and great joy. The first words the angel spoke were words of comfort and words of command: "Do not be afraid."

It doesn't sound like a suggestion to me.  "Do NOT be afraid."  Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear? When my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, we wrestled with this "command." How do you face your greatest fear in life, and not be afraid?  We found the answer to that question by focusing on the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that the angel spoke about.  As I think back on those few months that we had remaining with my sweetheart, without doubt -- we did experience GREAT JOY in the midst of doctor's appointments, treatments, six surgeries, pain, and discomfort. We laughed. We celebrated life.  We embraced each other and we embraced our friends and family like never before.  It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

What is bringing you fear today? Christmas can't be a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. But listen once again to the angel's words...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news of great joy!" There is good news. There is great joy. That news is for ALL people -- you and me -- no matter what we may be facing. Whatever your circumstances are this year, focus on the face of God and be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas. It isn't really about all the things the world has made it to be. It is about the good news of great joy. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you joy. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY!  I give you JESUS."
#GoodNews #GreatJoy #DoNotBeAfraid