Out of the Darkest Night 

When the angel delivered the best news in history to the shepherds in Bethlehem—that the Messiah was finally here after generations of waiting for him to redeem all that was broken—their initial response was not joy, but fear. I appreciate the detail of humanity here in the Christmas story. God showed us the shepherds were just like you and I; they felt a natural response to what their minds couldn’t comprehend. 

But God, our Good Shepherd who has so much compassion for his sheep, immediately spoke to their fear. Before he allowed the angel to deliver the good news, he spoke to their hearts. God loves us deeply and wants us to know him. He knew they were afraid, and he didn’t shame them—instead he comforted them with the truth. He spoke to their fears first, so they could then receive and hear the Good News. Fear could have kept the shepherds from seeing the glory of God. But their choice to trust the command from the angel allowed them to be the first people on earth to rejoice at the birth of the long-awaited Messiah. 

Not A Good Time 

Six years ago, I had a Christmas season where fear overshadowed joy. My mother-in-law unexpectedly passed away, and like the shepherds, I found myself in the darkest of nights. Then, three days later, my first child was born, more than two weeks early. I felt like one of those shepherds, when my water broke at 4:00 a.m., terrified at the news of a baby because of the darkness we were in at the time of his arrival.  

While getting dressed in my bathroom, I remember saying out loud, “God I can’t do this, this is not a good time.” Though my son’s birth was long-awaited, fear overshadowed it. But the Holy Spirit’s response was simple, “Do not be afraid.” In that moment, I chose to trust him and keep my eyes on his goodness. His strength carried me, and like the shepherds, I turned my mind from my fears. In the darkest of nights, God brought the joy of new life. The timing of Judah’s birth is a testimony of God bringing light into the darkness—a reminder of exactly what Jesus’ birth was for all of humanity. Jesus’ birth changed everything. God shattered the darkness with the One and true light of the world.  

Reflect:
Where is God telling you “Do not fear?” What would it take for you to trust Him and allow light into the darkness?