Celebrating and greeting one another is appropriate as Christmas is celebrated worldwide. The tradition of Greeting Cards was not there during the first Christmas. E-cards were non-existent. The first Christmas season, beginning from the annunciation by Archangel Gabriel to Mary, was: Do not be afraid. Fear, an emotion that could cripple a person, dominates the world today. People are afraid of anything and everything. With the increase in crimes, wars, violence, and human and natural disasters, fear reigns in the hearts and minds of all people. Christmas rings out the great message: Do not be afraid.
Mary: A humble teenager in Nazareth got the heavenly visitor: Archangel Gabriel. She was scared. The angel calmed her down and explained that she was favoured, chosen to fulfil God’s Promise and Purpose. (Luke 1: 26-38) She will be the mother of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. When she questioned, how could she, as a virgin, give birth to a child? Gabriel explained that the God Most High will overshadow her and she will conceive and give birth to a Son.
Joseph: Engaged to Mary, Joseph a righteous man was confused. Wanted to divorce her. An angel appeared to him in a dream and explained that it was God’s plan for the incarnation! (Matthew 1:20) Jesus will be Emmanuel, God With Us. Joseph took Mary as his wife.
Zachariah: Godly couple Zachariah and Elizabeth prayed, desired, and longed to have a child. They were well past their age. Zachariah got an opportunity to serve the incense at the Temple of Jerusalem. As he was serving, Gabriel appeared. He assured the terrified Zachariah not to be afraid. God will bless them with a son, who will prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah, who will be born soon. God answers prayers and prepares ahead! (Luke 1: 8-17)
Shepherds: Suddenly, the angels appeared in the sky and asked the shepherds not to be afraid. They gave the good news that God’s Promise of a Saviour and Lord was fulfilled as Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:10-12)
Am I afraid or recognise God’s plan, purpose, and promises?