Each Christmas season I am amazed at the words of virtually every angel who takes part in the Christmas narrative.  They almost always say "Do not be afraid."  It seems as though we have so many things in our lives which create fear.  We go to the doctor for our annual check-up.  The blood test shows our cholestoral is high, or our blood pressure is higher than the present norms.  So we fear the effects.  There are so many physical issues which could arrise - cancer, diabetes, the list seems endless.

Then there are the non-medical issues we can worry about.  The health care system overhaul.  The economy.  Will our job still be there next year?  Will we be able to afford the basic necessities of life?  And our reputation - what will people think of us?  Will people love us if we get fat?  Or disfigured?  We are afraid of an aweful lot of things.

And yet the angels say: Do not be afraid.  It is good advice.  If we believe that God is really in control - even if we don't particularly like the way he exercises his control, we ultimately choose to trust.  And trust helps eradicate fear.  It doesn't take fear away completely, but it certainly helps.  If God is in control, and God is loving and kind, the fears which so often control our lives ought to be temporary.  We can get through it.  We do not go through the issues of life alone.  Christmas reminds us that we do not need to be afraid - God IS with us.   SMJ