“Where is the child who has been born king of Jews? For we have observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matt. 2:2-3).
Fear was one of the experiences Jesus addressed most often. “Fear not” was a mantra the disciples heard again and again. In fact, one might say Jesus came to dispel our fears, but fear was very much a part of the beginning—and we can rest assured that we continue to live in a world shot through with fear.

People are afraid of losing their position, finances, respect, relationships, faith—and with this fear comes a host of far more insidious horrors, including threat, violence, war, massacre. If we read a few more verses into Matthew’s Gospel, we see how Herod’s fears played out along these very lines.

We still live in this world. It is a world of fear.

Making our homes and hearts ready for Christmas is not just about looking for love, joy and peace, but also being honest about our deepest fears. When we acknowledge fear—love can enter.

Hanging on the wall in one of my friend’s office is a painting which reads: “What could you do if you were not afraid?” Indeed, what could be accomplished if we were free of fear? What risks would we be willing to take for God? How would our ministries be different if we could rid ourselves of our deepest fears and live in the freedom of faith?

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