Do Not Be Afraid

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18, 20–21, NIV 1984).

My Musing – In Luke’s Gospel, we are told that an angel also appeared to Mary. “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.'” (Luke 1:30–31, NIV 1984). Pretty unexpected and startling news, to say the least. How would we respond to such news?

Joseph’s response – “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:24–25, NIV 1984).

Mary’s response – “‘I am the Lord’s servant,'” Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.'” (Luke 1:38, NIV 1984).

Interestingly, they were both told “do not be afraid.” Shame, rejection, humiliation? Plenty to fear. Yet they humbly submitted.

My Advice – Perhaps they each recalled the ancient prophecy? “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV 1984). The be the earthly parents of the promised Messiah, that would humble anyone. Yet many will not humbly accept becoming His child. How will we respond to such news? The consequences of unbelief should make anyone afraid. But if we do believe and accept Him, we can rest in the words of the angel, “do not be afraid,“