An Unexpected Gift in the Christmas Story
At the heart of the Christmas story is the message about the gift of Jesus. God came to this world as the God-Man, Jesus, to save and redeem lost mankind. That in itself is a gift beyond description and imagination! Yet, God always seems to outdo Himself. I want to offer some insight to another gift that should transform your life. Let me illustrate with a story. In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples of Jesus are fighting for their lives as a storm threatens to swamp their boat. Just when all seems lost, Jesus is seen walking on the water in the vicinity of the sinking boat. Perhaps the fury of the storm impaired the disciple’s vision because the story says they did not recognize it was Jesus. They cried out in fear thinking what they saw was a ghost. In response, Jesus called to the disciples and told them not to be afraid. When Peter recognized it was Jesus, he shouted back, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28, NIV). Hearing Peter’s request, Jesus replied, come on over. Take a moment with me to consider what Jesus did not say. Jesus did not say - Wait a moment until I calm the storm. He also did not say — Okay, okay, but first, let me make things safe for you. Instead, Jesus allowed Peter to climb out of the sinking boat in the midst of a fearful situation.
We need to understand that God did not send Jesus to cancel fearful situations for mankind. Jesus came to redeem humanity and share His righteousness with lost mankind. This amazing salvation provides many ancillary gifts. One of the “extra” gifts we have, in addition to the salvation we have in Jesus, is the promise that we do not have to live in fear. In the Christmas story there were an abundance of things that Joseph and Mary could have been afraid of. I’m certain that the families of Joseph and Mary were skeptical regarding the explanation that Mary’s pregnancy was the result of God’s power (instead of the impatient passion of a young engaged couple). This young couple would face scandal trusting in God. Remember when Herod heard about the birth of Jesus from the visiting Magi? When the Magi did not return with directions to the barn Jesus was born in, Herod sent his “hit-squad” with orders to kill all children under the age of two. Again, Joseph and Mary faithfully trusted that God was able to keep them safe as they left Bethlehem and followed God's "Trip-Tik" to Egypt. Again and again, God proved reliable and His ways were secure.
Throughout the Christmas story we read about God canceling fear and panic with His presence. Remember the words of the angel to Mary when she was uncertain, when the message of God did not make sense. Luke 1:30>>” The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.” (NIV) Consider the angelic message to the frightened shepherds in Luke 2:10-11>>But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (NIV) Finally, when Joseph was facing fear and uncertainty, remember what he was told in Matthew 1:20>>” An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.” (NIV) At the end of the angelic message to Joseph, he is told that this promised baby will be the Messiah. He will be Immanuel — God with us!
We live in a world that is traumatized and paralyzed by fear. Satan knows this weakness and bludgeons us with things to worry about and to be fearful over. What victories have eluded us because we are fearful to step forward and live in God’s strength? How many people reside in a “prison of fear” because they do not know or believe that God offers something better? Paul’s words in Colossians 1:13 are powerful and comforting— "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” Let me challenge you with a thought: You can always find a reason to allow fear to keep you where you are. Instead, dare to remember the message of Christmas and be changed in your thinking and living. Be willing to go, brave the journey of a new life, open your eyes to see what victories are available to you because of the gift Jesus has given to us! The Christmas story is about Jesus coming to gift us with real life. Life that comes from following a loving, faithful God. Merry Christmas and keep looking up!