There has been a lot of references in the media of late to FDR’s famous statement, from his first Inaugural Address: "We have nothing to fear except ... fear itself." Words that brought hope to a nation in the depths of the Great Depression. A similar message of hope is central to Barack Obama’s success. As powerful as these messages of hope are, they pale in comparison to the first Christmas greeting: "FEAR NOT!" The first words the angels spoke to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer, the King.
"FEAR NOT!" - not for the shepherds only - but for all peoples throughout the world and down through time. Fear stalks the world and snaps at our heels. We fear the times we live in. We fear the person who is "not like us." We fear what tomorrow might bring. Fear saps our strength, shrivels our souls, narrows our horizons, and shortens our vision. Fear is one of the Enemy’s most potent weapons. Fear denies creation’s goodness, humanity’s dignity, and God’s grace and love.
The world was not made for fear, and we were not created to live in fear. When we live without fear, "Caesar" trembles and "Satan" - by whatever name you call the unholy trinity of sin, evil and death - slinks away. "FEAR NOT," Emmanuel - God is with us. "FEAR NOT," our Lord and Savior has come. "FEAR NOT," the King has set his mark on us and claimed us for his own. "FEAR NOT!" It’s a way better Christmas greeting than "Merry Christmas." And we can use it any time. "FEAR NOT!"