Notes of Faith December 24, 2024
Holiday Peace
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
A 2023 survey reported by the American Heart Association noted that out of 1,000 respondents 63 percent said the Christmas holidays are more stressful than the April tax season. And 51 percent reported that it takes weeks to recover from the holidays—especially for mothers.1
Recommended Reading:
Luke 1:13
The very first Christmas was simpler than our modern, commercialized version—and, therefore, less stressful, we would think. But there was fear and stress associated with the first Christmas as well. Zechariah was fearful about the announcement of his son John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:13). Mary was fearful about becoming the unwed mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30). And the shepherds outside Bethlehem were fearful when a host of angels announced Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10). In each case, it was the fear of the unknown that resulted in their unrest.
If you have concerns or fears this Christmas season, commit them to God in prayer. Be anxious for nothing by receiving His peace (Philippians 4:7).
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Unknown
Luke 1:12-13
Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias.
Luke 1:28-31
"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
Matt 1:20-21
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.
Luke 2:9-14
9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid;
Throughout the Bible we read “Fear Not” 63 times in the King James Version.
Even in the Christmas story we are told “Fear Not” when God is pleased.
This should remind us that there are rewards and consequences for our actions and most certainly in our relationship with God. Being an obedient child of God brings reward and blessing, for God is pleased. Being rebellious, disobedient, unbelieving, brings consequences of God’s discipline, even His wrath.
Those that belong to God, even though they sin, need to “Fear Not” for you are in Christ Jesus, and are seen in the perfection of Jesus, with whom God is pleased!
My prayer for you this day is that you are in Christ, a believer and follower of your Lord and Savior, and therefore have NO reason to ever fear!
Pastor Dale