Download LifeDate Summer 2021
“[F]or behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day … a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10b-11)
Fear not! The God whose love caused Him to become a tiny embryonic speck inside Mary’s womb, the God who was knit together in the womb and shaped and formed as a human being, the God who was laid in a manger, the God who was tempted as we are, the God who paid the awful, bloody price for our redemption, the God who rose victoriously from the dead—this God will not forsake those for whom He demonstrated this kind of love.
Fear not! Fear of an unknown future drives many young women to the abortion mills where daily 3,000 babies are sacrificed because of fear. Fear of suffering drives many people to feel it is compassionate to hasten death. Fear of not being forgiven drives many who have sinned against life to despair.
- To the pregnant young woman, we say, “Fear not!” Jesus was born for you. He loves you and will give you strength. He will help you do what is best for you and your baby, and He will support you through the loving arms of His people.
- To those who are suffering, we say, ‘Fear not!” Jesus was born for you. He knows about suffering. He knows about your suffering. He knows how the love of God works in suffering. He will be with you and care for you through His caring people.
- To those who have sinned against life, we say “Fear not!” Jesus was born for you. He demonstrated His love for you and paid for your sins on the cross. He comes to you even in the depths of your grief and guilt to lift you up into His merciful and forgiving arms.
Fear not! The message of Christmas changes hearts and lives all year long. After all, we serve a God who works best in weakness—even in poverty—you know, like showing up in a manger!
Adapted from our 2012 Christmas bulletin insert.