It has been said that there are 365 'Fear nots' in the Bible, one for every
day of the year. I have never investigated the accuracy of the statement, but I
do know that there are three comforting 'Fear nots' in the Christmas Story which
have often been a great blessing to me.
The World urgently needs this threefold message today. There is cause for fear
on every hand, strikes, lawlessness, immorality, self-seeking, with everybody
following the dictates of their own desires. Without doubt, the spirit of
antichrist is already at work in the world, and "Men's hearts are failing
them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the
earth” (Luke 21:26).
Yet to all who will pause and heed, the glorious message of Christmas is clearly sounding forth once again.
The first 'Fearnot' was to the Shepherds
"Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" (Luke
2:10). The Shepherds represent the busy, ordinary folk; this amazing revelation
came to them as they were engaged in their normal daily occupation.
How comforting to know that God's messenger will come to us even in the monotony
of the common task and will quietly assure us that the Heavenly Father cares. We
may be hemmed in by a score of problems and there may appear to be no way of
escape, but the God sent message pierces through all the gloom.
He hath delivered, He does deliver and He will yet deliver.
Remember, He is acquainted with all your ways. He knows the path you tread, and
when the foreboding future would tend to overwhelm and depress you, He speaks
His gracious, 'Fear not', and assuring you that all will be well so believe and
trust the message.
'Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you.'
"Fear not," said the Angel, "I bring you good tidings of great
joy."
The second 'Fear not' was spoken to Mary
This time the message was more personal. This Angel knew her name.
"Fear not. Mary: thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:30). Many
fears must have gripped her mind at this time. By a miraculous act of God this
young unmarried woman was found to be with child. We can understand her
feelings. She must have been troubled with many distressing thoughts as the
Angel told her of God's will concerning her. The neighbours and all friends.
Joseph, what would they think?
Well God had the complete answer. His gracious tender, overruling. 'Fear not'.
from heaven would still every doubt. "Fear not. Mary: the Holy Spirit shall
come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God."
I wonder if some of my readers are bearing some inward grief during these days
of festivity, problems maybe that you cannot talk about; secret burdens that are
locked up in the depth of your soul.
May I remind you that the Lord knows your name and your circumstances, even as
He knew Mary's.
John 10:3 says, Jesus calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them. So, He
would call you by name and speak His wonderful 'Fear not' to heal your wounded
spirit.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art
Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire, thou
shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord
thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour " (Isaiah 43:1-3). Therefore,
beloved friends, as God draws near to us during this precious season of the year
and speaks His glorious 'Fear not' to us all, let us cast every care upon Him,
for He Himself careth for us.
The third 'Fear not' came to Joseph
"Joseph, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matthew
1:20). Joseph's fears were not so much for himself, but for his wife.
There are some dear people who carry tremendous burdens for others. Mothers
often carry a deep concern for their children. Christian wives sometimes spend
hours on their knees, praying through many tears for the conversion of their
husbands.
As we anticipate the near return of our blessed Lord. We contemplate that
thrilling moment when we shall see Him face to face. The Bible says, "We
shall be like Him." But sometimes we are arrested in our thinking; we
remember our many loved-ones, and friends who are not ready to meet Jesus. I
have no doubt that at such times God lays upon us all a very real passion for
the lost. We pray and work as never before in order to lead someone to the
Saviour.
Maybe this Christmas time God will give you an opportunity to speak a word
for Him, if God has given you a concern for the salvation of others, remember He
has also given an encouraging promise.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house." (Acts 16:31).
As we conclude our Christmas meditation together, may I point out that the
Shepherds, and Mary and Joseph all emerged into a wonderful place of victory and
spiritual enrichment. The Shepherds glorified God.
Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord."
And the Lord appeared to Joseph.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread,
Are big with mercy,
and will break in blessing on your head.