Circuit Thoughts

“Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good news of great joy!” Never in all my life have I ever been greeted like that. Usually greetings start with a hello, or introduction, or even a question. Never have I ever heard anyone start off with Do not be afraid for I have some good news.

Yet that is the way the shepherds were greeted on that cold night so long ago. Traditionally we put Christ’s birth on Dec. 25, and I will not break with tradition. Still, that greeting changed the lives of those few shepherds, and it changed that course of history for all of mankind.

The very fact that the king of Kings was born is mind blowing. But that this King would be the one who is called Messiah, now that just puts the icing on the cake. In a time of persecution and poverty, these shepherds were the first to know that Christ was born.

So here we are, some 2000 years removed from that event. How are we greeting people? Are we inviting them in out of love or are we hoping the fear of God will bring them in.

I think the reason Gabrielle started the conversation off with “Do not be afraid” is because Christ did not come to instill fear into the people. This child was born out of love, not fear. So, the shepherds needed to know that this was a different king. He would not impose heavier taxes, or restrictions on his people. Instead, this King will seek the salvation of everyone, so that all may be saved. Again, this king is not about power, but love.

After so many centuries of hatred, oppression and exile, there was finally going to be some hope. It is this love that builds hope.

So, it is with us. You see, we are called to offer Christ to everyone, not out of fear, but out of love. No person should ever, EVER be afraid to go to church. Church is supposed to be a haven, a sanctuary. Church is a place of healing and hope. Fear stops at the door. When we greet people, our greeting should be, Do Not be Afraid, for we have good news for you.

How much different would our churches look if we started off by telling the folks to stop being afraid? How would our churches be if we just realized that we have nothing to fear from the world?

The world wants us to be afraid, very afraid. God wants us to have hope. The greeting from the angels is the greeting we should have for each other, Do not be afraid. Then we need to start bringing the Good News to a fearful world.

The Good News is that Christ is Born. Salvation has come. Darkness is now Light, and love prevails.

That’s pretty good news.

Susan and I pray that all of you will have a very Merry Christmas.