“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

Carrying the Weight of the World

Some of my days are absolutely care-free! My little corner of the world is a happy place on those days: my family is in a good place, my health is good, my bills are paid, I feel love coming from every direction and I sing: “And, I think to myself, ‘What a Wonderful World!” Oh, but then, some of my days are weighty: weighty from carrying the burdens of my friends and family; weighty from hearing such negativity and pain in my world; weighty from my own cares and concerns.

In front of the Rockefeller Center in New York, is this two ton, 45 feet tall bronze statue of the ancient Greek God, Atlas. Greek mythology explains that Atlas is carrying the world upon his shoulders, not as a testament to his strength and courage, but as a punishment for defying Zeus. Atlas has exaggerated muscles -- like many men I see these days in their muscle shirts to show off their muscle-bound bodies. Though their exteriors look like they have it all together, no doubt inside is a man that is struggling with the heavy loads of life he is carrying.

I heard the story of a New York executive who was telling his friend about all the pressures he was under with his job, his family and his health. The two men walked to this large statue of Atlas, straining and struggling to carry the world on his shoulders. Then the friend took the executive across the street into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He walked him to the back of the high altar, and there they found a statue of Jesus as a young boy effortlessly and easily holding the world in His hand, unlike Atlas with his strain or struggle. Jesus is radiating complete peace. And then it dawned on the executive; he had a choice – to continue to carry the world on his shoulders and struggle like Atlas, or let go and give control of the world, including his world to God and know the same peace like Jesus.

Another depiction of Jesus in St. Patrick’s is this Station of the Cross where Jesus is carrying His cross – taking upon Himself the burdens and sins of others and proving that not only does He carry the world, but He died for the world proving Himself to be our life giver, our burden bearer and our world carrier.

No one will get out of this world without carrying some really heavy loads. Atlas will never get out from under that world; the Man Who carried the Cross not only got out from under it, it led to His resurrection and a crown in life and life eternal. He offers that to us today. We can continue to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders or we can allow Him to carry our crosses, our weights and break free so we can, instead of carrying our world, revolutionize and remake our world.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10