Horizon Church Christmas Advent Bible Reading Plan: The Joy of Every Longing Heartနမူနာ

“Famines, diseases, and wars. Oh my!” Sometimes my mental list of fears sounds like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz. Let’s be real; there’s so much to be scared of: oppressive authority, broken relationships, miscarriages, natural disasters, difficult family dynamics, sickness, and death—and the list goes on. You may find it odd to think about fearful things during Advent, but fear and death are a part of the reason Jesus entered our time and world.

Do you know what one of the most repeated commands in Scripture is? It’s “Do not be afraid.” This command is repeated so often it tells us something about our human nature. We’re prone to fear. When the curse of sin entered the world, so did fear. It casts a shadow on every aspect of our humanity. The security of eternal life and perfect love in God’s presence became uncertain. Being in fear’s grip is exhausting, and makes false prophets of us as we entertain endless what-ifs. Thankfully, fear will not have the last word.

If we looked up all the Bible passages that said, “Do not be afraid,” we would find that they’re often linked to God’s presence and salvation. In today’s reading, Jesus, seeing the terror on His disciples’ faces said, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Fear and sin can only be banished by the presence of God. So God came. He dwelled among us for a time, just as the prophets foretold. And He made a way for God’s Spirit to dwell in us so that His perfect love could forever chase away our sorrows, sins, and fears. He has given us new hearts and a spirit of “power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7) so that we might have new life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

What are you worried or fretting about today? The holidays can be difficult for many of us. Here is the good news of great joy! God isn’t irritated by our need for comfort and refuge. He’s eager to fill those needs for us in Himself. He is for us, and His presence drives away our sins and fears like light scattering the darkness. Don’t be afraid; He has promised that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31–39).