But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid …” Luke 2:10a

Devotion

The invention of the lightbulb changed human history, not only by introducing modern convenience, but by subduing our fear of the dark. Darkness can be terrifying. Without light, we cannot see what lurks around us. Children can be soothed with a nightlight, but the unknown source of a bump in the night can strike fear in the most rational grown-up heart. 

The shepherds’ story unfolds in the inky midnight as they watch over their flock, alert for prowling predators. In an instant, the sky was ablaze with light. Imagine the scene: one moment they are scanning shadowy hills for sheep, and the next a mighty angel appears in a flash of glorious light. No wonder the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.” This isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last, angelic visit around Jesus’ birth, and they all begin with that same phrase. After the angel announced the Good News of Jesus’ birth, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).

Fear is real in our modern lives, too. We worry about what the future holds—loss, failure, rejection—or about the health and safety of those we love. The twenty-four hour news cycle seems to be curated to magnify our fears. In our darkest moments, fear whispers that we are alone. But Advent reminds us that God entered our world not to frighten us, but to bring us peace and hope. Jesus still comes quietly into our darkest moments to calm anxious hearts with his presence. He was born as a fragile, approachable baby rather than a fearsome warrior-king, because God’s way is gentle and full of love.

Notice the angel did not command the shepherds to overcome their fear; but instead announced the source of peace, “for behold, I bring you good news of great joy …” (Luke 2:10). Likewise for us, “fear not” isn’t about summoning bravery from within, but about trusting the God who rescues us—so fear that no longer defines us. As God promises, “Fear not, for I am with you … I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Knowing that Emmanuel, “God with us,” is by our side, we can face even our darkest nights with faith instead of fear.

Isaiah’s prophecy was coming to pass, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2). As we light the first Advent candle this week, remember that even a small flame dispels a vast darkness. Fear does not have the final word—Emmanuel does.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, Light of the World, when the darkness begins to set in, please invade my frightened heart with your light. Teach me to carry this light like a torch into the darkened world around me. 

Deidre Franklin
Pastor, Spiritual Formation

Practice

What fear is God inviting you to release to him this Advent? When you sense anxiety rising, pause and say these words, “Fear Not,” out loud if possible. Remind yourself that because Jesus is with you, you do not need to live in fear.

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