Fear not...  

- Luke 2:10

The angel announces Jesus' birth with the words, “fear not.”

No doubt, an encounter with an angel of the Lord was a terrifying thing.

Thus, the angel comforts the shepherds with the phrase, “fear not.”

Did you know that “fear not” is the command that God uses more than any other in Scripture?

God commands us to “fear not” 360+ times in His Word.

I love that God uses this command to inaugurate the Christmas season.

Christmas was designed to dispel our fear!

One of my favorite holiday traditions is watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, one of the longest-running television specials. Towards the show's end, Linus is on stage at the school Christmas production, declaring what Christmas is all about.

As Linus launches into his monologue, something spectacular happens: quoting Luke 2, as soon as Linus says, “fear not,” he drops his infamous blue blanket.

Linus drops his security blanket!

In all of Linus' lines, comics, movies, and appearances—I know of only one time when he drops the blanket—it's when he says, “fear not.”

I assume that's precisely the way Charles Schultz designed it. A subtle nod to the profound effect of Christmas, the truth of Jesus' birth—because Jesus was born, we no longer need to fear.

Today’s Reflection & Action:

Fear is the antithesis of faith. Jesus asked his disciples, amid their fear, "why do you have little faith?" (Mark 4) What are you afraid of right now? What promise has Jesus made that meets your fear head-on?

Take some time today and meditate on a promise Jesus has made.

Faithfully,
Pastor Chris

Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on this Advent Devotional Series.

Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”

When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.