Fear is something we all know too well. As children, it might have been the closet door left cracked or the scary man under the bed. But as adults, our fears grow heavier—losing a job, rising interest rates, health concerns, decisions that affect our kids, wars across the world, even uncertainty about the future of technology.
The Bible reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT). Fear is not from God. In fact, fear is often faith misplaced—faith in worst-case scenarios instead of God’s promises.
As we enter the Christmas season, we see this truth woven into the story of Jesus’ birth. Three times in the Christmas narratives, God tells His people: “Do not be afraid.”
Take Mary, a teenage girl with her life neatly planned—marriage to Joseph, a home, a family. But God interrupted her plans with a divine invitation. Luke tells us she was “confused and disturbed” when the angel Gabriel appeared (Luke 1:29). Yet Gabriel’s words were simple and powerful: “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).
God’s interruptions are often His invitations. Moses was interrupted by a burning bush, David while tending sheep, Saul on the road to Damascus. Each disruption was a doorway to divine purpose.
Mary discovered that favor isn’t about material blessings or easy plans—it’s about God’s delight and His presence. Favor is the undeserved blessing poured out on His children.
So when fear weighs heavy, remember: you don’t have to understand the plan to trust God’s purpose. His favor is greater than your fear.
This Christmas, hear the angel’s words again: “Do not be afraid.”
