Monday, December 17, 2012

Do Not Be Afraid

This draft was written before the recent horrendous events in Connecticut. As we continue praying for those precious folk who are grieving, may they hear the voice of Immanuel, the God of comfort.


Why wouldn't she have been afraid? She'd likely not seen an angel before. The unearthly being brought a personal message that would change her life.

 

But God's word through Gabriel also calmed her. I'm sure the Scripture had become part of her mental and emotional fabric. She would have memorized much of it through hours of study and meditation. Because she lived in God’s presence, she could recognize God’s voice however it came.

 

Mary's heart and intellect were so given to God that her dialogue with Him was authentic and precious to them both. Now she was about to enter a phase of obedience that would challenge, delight, and tear her heart and mind.

 

God's perfect love comes, whether heralded by an unfamiliar angel or by a familiar scriptural phrase,  and His presence reminds us, Do not be afraid.

 

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

 
As you prepare for Advent, examine yourself for any fear you might have and why. Talk to Immanuel, and listen for the Holy Spirit who comes to you through the Scriptures or circumstances. How could you address your fear [or grief] together?

 

Meditate on 1 John 4:16-18 (NIV)

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

 Thank God for the perfect love He shows us through His beloved, Jesus Christ.

2 comments:

jude urbanski said...

As i re read the Christmas story this year, I wondered if God chose Joseph first because of who he was and that he was betrothed to Mary or did God choose Mary first?

Paula Gast said...

We don't know for sure, do we? Your comment reminds me that God knows the WHOLE picture and the ramifications of our soft or hard heartedness.

A blessed Christmas to you, Jude!