But the angel told the woman, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you. So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news." (Matthew 28:5-8)
OBSERVATION
The resurrection of Jesus is not normally something I think about at Christmas. However, there are similarities: angels, good news, a miraculous event involving Jesus, joy and life. As I read through this passage, the phrase "do not be afraid" stuck out. It is the consistent message of the angels when they began to talk to people. This is especially true with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
- The angel went to Zechariah to tell him Elizabeth was going to have a baby in her old age, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah." (Luke 1:13)
- The angel told Mary she was going to have a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, "Do not be afraid, Mary." (Luke 1:26)
- The angel brought the message of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, "Don't be afraid." (Luke 2:10)
In each of these situations, the people were faced with new, unknown, and often frightening circumstances. Into those events, God said, "do not be afraid." It seems that there are a lot of crazy things happening in this world and it would be easy to fear. God's message is still, "Don't be afraid." Jesus' final words in Matthew were, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) His presence is what conquers fear. Knowing that He walks with me through the ups and downs of life helps diminish the fear factor. It's going to be ok. God is personally involved in my life, He has not left me alone, and there are no circumstances I face that are beyond His help or control.
PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the reminder that I don't have to fear. You are with me and I can have joy not only because of the birth of Jesus, but because He is alive and with me to the very end of the age.
