I wrote this in Advent 2007. It may be a little late because Christmas is over but the message still holds true.
Christ’s birth, at this time of year, is sometimes sugar-coated with gifts under the tree, of parties among friends and acquaintances, and of gatherings of family and loved ones. These are all good things. Some even take time to reflect on all the blessings God has bestowed on them during the year, and pause in their busy lives to give thanks to God. But there is always the forgotten many, who, especially at this time, suffer and hurt deeply in their own quiet hearts… those who are lost and alone, those who have lost sight of any kind of hope, those who are overwhelmed with fear of their present situation and the uncertainty of their future.
In the events that led to the first coming of our Lord Jesus, we hear a common greeting from the angels as they revealed what was to come. To Mary, at the Annunciation, Angel Gabriel comforted Mary with ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you.’ To Joseph, the angel also spoke of the words ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.’ And to the shepherds as they were tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth, first frightened at the appearance of an angel, then filled with peace as the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.’
Webster’s dictionary defines fear as ‘an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger.’ Fear is essential in our lives. It makes us aware and therefore moves us to be careful and do what is necessary to avoid that danger. But what of unhealthy fear? The one that holds us back from living our life to what God has intended. The fear that takes away both trust and faith in God. The fear that gives no meaning to hope. How do we conquer that fear? How do we rise above it?
Begin by saying, ‘Lord, I am afraid!’ With these words, first we acknowledge that our God is our Lord, our Master. It is a surrendering at that moment, even in doubt and with questions, for Him to work on us, His creation, His own. Second, we are admitting our fear to God, exposing our frailty and weakness, and in turn, His power. And calling out to Him is our reaching out for His aide, His guidance, His strength. It is the same when we reach out to other people. We only ask help from people we know would be there for us. We somehow then EXPECT God to be there when we ask for His help… with faith and trust. And as we turn to Him, we find that hope again.
That is the message of this season to ALL OF US! It is not anymore the angels who come and deliver the message, but God Himself, in His Divine Being, born into our world, Who has come to say, ‘Do not be afraid. I am with you always. I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it in full.’
