In the Bible, when an Angel appears to someone they always seem to be struck with fear. Using this we can suspect that Angels were pretty terrifying to the people they visited.
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
In A Charlie Brown Christmas Linus tries to explain the meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown and others. If you are unfamiliar with the character Linus, he always carries around his blanket for protection. He thinks it will save him from anything. During his monologue about the true meaning of Christmas he quotes Luke 2:8-14. When Linus says the lines “Fear Not!” or “Do Not Be Afraid” he drops his blanket. Putting all his trust in God, showing that he is not afraid anymore.
As we are now less than a week from Christmas, you’re probably in the “Christmas mood” where all you want to do is celebrate Christmas. Every family has a Christmas tradition or multiple Christmas traditions that they do to celebrate Christmas. In many ways these traditions are what “Christmas is” you feel that if these don’t take place then it’s not truly Christmas. Something everyone does on Christmas is opening presents. You rush down the stairs to find the plethora of gifts so neatly wrapped under the flourished evergreen. Or some families have their very own traditions such as hiding the presents or anything of the sorts. But that’s not necessarily what Christmas is. Those play a part in Christmas as they make it an enjoyable holiday where family and friends can grow closer together. But Christmas is about the birth of the Messiah. That’s what we’ve been waiting for a month for. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. In the Bible John the Baptist physically prepared the people for the coming of Jesus. He baptized them and preached to them about how the Messiah will save them. The people he was baptizing started to believe that John, himself, was the Messiah. He said to them in reply,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire.”
In this last week leading up to one of the most joyful days of the year we need to be ready for Jesus not just for the presents. These traditions are a part of Christmas…but not THE part. Spread the love of Jesus this holiday season. Show happiness and love in everything you do and spread the Christmas cheer. So don’t forget what Christmas really is and what it’s really about, the coming of the Savior.
GH
Christmas Time is Here by MercyMe: https://youtu.be/pAjCIDP-VwM