Learn how to overcome fear.
Each year, I ask people to portray angels for our outdoor Christmas drama, “Walk Thru Bethlehem.” These “angels” depict the “multitude of angels,” who visited the shepherds over two thousand years ago to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Adults are reluctant; however, children fearlessly volunteer, and I feel obligated by the Holy Spirit’s “prompting” to allow them to participate. During rehearsals I tell them that they are representing God’s angels and should act accordingly. But, their notion of how God’s angels behave is a bit different from mine and, perhaps, even God’s.
Although they know they should take care of their personal needs before their performances, invariably “angels” are seen “flying,” I mean, running across the field to the bathroom. On the first night, their costumes are sparkling white but as the three nights progress, they become adorned with cocoa stains, cookie crumbs, and good old Arizona dirt. Their halos, once shiny and perky, become a lop-sided tangle of tinsel. Between scenes, these same “angels” can be found sitting or lounging on the angel stand, eating cookies and cocoa. However, when it’s time to perform, they quickly hide their food and pop up with fog and lights encircling them, extend their arms and wings, and enthusiastically repeat in unison, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
On the last evening in disheveled costumes, the “angels” “tough it” out with a promise of a hayride at the end of performance. Then, they can finally sigh, knowing that they have done their best to bless the Kingdom of God.
I often muse about what God must think of our feeble effort to portray the Christmas story. Does He look at us critically? Or does He chuckle to himself and say, “Yeah, those are my kids down there. Boy, do I love them!”
We speculate about how the humble shepherds felt that cold starry night when God sent “a multitude of angels” with the special announcement of His Son’s birth. The Bible tells us that they were terrified but not so terrified that it stopped them from leaving their flock to look for the Christ Child. And, when they found Him, they couldn’t contain their joy and ran to tell others.
Overcoming fear
Often, fear keeps us from receiving God’s blessings. We avoid new experiences; the old and the familiar are more comfortable. Had the shepherds let their fear stop them that night, they would not have been among the first to be blessed with finding the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Those humble shepherds, however, overcame their fear and received a great blessing by finding the Savior, who had been promised many years previously. That night they met the One who would save them from their sins and give them eternal life with His Father.
We can learn from the shepherds at the manger and from watching children fearlessly attempt to do things they do not know how to do. We, too, can accomplish things we have never done before, especially those God wants us to do. After all, God is not only watching us but helping us in love
Biblical Help
The Bible contains scriptures to comfort us when we are feeling fearful. Those scriptures do not only console but encourage us to face our fears. 1 John 4:18 (NIV) tells us, “There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment…” We know that Jesus, our Savior, is perfect love. We are strengthened as Isaiah 41:10 promises, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”; We are reminded in Psalm 23:4 (NIV) that “Even thought I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God has promised to always be with the believer. His help in times of fear is only a prayer away. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” ( Psalm 34:4). (NIV)
~Juanita Adamson 12/24
How Jesus Addressed Fear, Worry, and Anxiety – Biblical Counseling Center
