“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18–21 (NKJV)

We just celebrated Christmas, and we’re still in that season. Last week when Pastor preached on this portion of scripture, the words fear not resonated with me.

Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. This Gospel formed a connecting link between the Old and New Testaments because of its emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy spoken in Isaiah 7:14.

Thank God we were able to celebrate His birth another year and as Christians, we know that He is the reason for the season.

The work of Jesus Christ was different from any of the ones mentioned in the genealogy. Mary had been promised in marriage, but before they were married, Mary was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

In those days, unfaithfulness was treated as adultery and punishable by death. Joseph was an honorable man, a just man, and he did not want to disgrace her publicly.

So he decided to break the marriage agreement with her privately. With that in mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not.

That reallyresonated with me. Fear not appears in the Bible, or do not be afraid, over 365 times.

He needed to take Mary as his wife. The angel told him she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She would give birth to a son, and he would name Him Jesus.

He would save His people from their sins. Joseph obeyed and did what the angel of the Lord commanded him to do.

Last Sunday Pastor reminded us that Jesus the Savior, the Lamb of God, takes away the sins of the world.

He made atonement for our sins so that we could become righteous. There is a greater purpose because of Jesus’ birth.

Christmas for us as Christians should be every day because of the gift that has been given to us, Emmanuel, God with us. As Bishop reminded us, He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always with us.

What is our response, and how will we continue to respond after this season is over? We are living in challenging times. There will be trials, tribulations, and times of uncertainty. Will we be able to respond like Joseph?

Everything was going well for Joseph. He was engaged to the woman of his dreams. They were making plans for the future, and then he discovered Mary was with child. Suddenly, his world came crashing down. He was afraid of the future.

The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are supernatural events beyond human reasoning. Because of this, God sent angels to help people understand the significance of what was happening.

There are times when we experience the unexpected. There will be challenges. And God is still saying to us, Fear not.

Joseph thought Mary was immoral, but what he thought was sinful was actually sacred. He didn’t have all the facts. Sometimes we worry, and while we are worrying, God is working out a wonderful plan. The fear of public opinion can keep us from God’s best. Those who are in the center of God’s will need not fear public reaction.

God has a fear not for times of mental anguish. Joseph was thinking continually about the situation, but his anxiety was without foundation. We need to exchange our fears for faith. God has not given us a spirit of fear. It is important to be sensitive to God’s guidance and willing to do God’s will no matter the consequences.

Father, I thank You for Your word. I pray, God, that as Your word goes forth, Your people will act upon it, trust You, and not lean on their own understanding.

Help us not to rely on our own reasoning, but to seek You. You said if we call upon You, You will answer and show us great and mighty things.

You told us to fear not. You are with us. You will fight for us. You are our light and our salvation. Whom shall we fear?

We thank You and praise You for healing, deliverance, protection, and provision. In Jesus’ name, for His sake, amen.