There is a good bit of fear in the Christmas story.  Every time the angels appear (Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, etc.), they begin the conversation with “Fear not!”

Can you imagine the real life fear that Mary had as a young girl processing the whole virgin birth miracle?  Or Joseph’s fear regarding his reputation?  How about the fear this young family must have had as refugees in Egypt?

I’m dealing with some fear in my life, some rational, some not so rational.  It seems like the middle of the night is the worst.  I’m trying to appropriate the truth that we sing about in one of our favorite Christmas carols:

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”

I felt the grace of Christ in a Peanuts clip that has made its way around the social media block the last few weeks.  As you watch this Christmas clip, take notice of when Linus drops his security blanket (click on image). . .

With the words “Fear not,” Linus drops his much needed security blanket.  I am asking Jesus to help me drop the insecurities that I seem to cling to.

I believe that the perfect love of Jesus Christ casts out all fear.  I believe that all of our fears have been fully met in Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection.

If you have fear, declare the truth of the Gospel story.  Say it out loud.  See if your insecurities seem to drop away.

Merry Christmas.