This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

The ongoing tension between trust and fear can be clearly seen in the face of a toddler,

teetering on the side of a swimming pool. He truly wants to leap into the arms of the waiting

parent whose outstretched arms will limit the fall to about one foot. He knows it will be fun, but

fear holds him back. His face and body language are indicative of something we all experience

– sometimes doing the right thing, even if we sincerely want to do it, can still be scary.

When Joseph learned that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit, and righteously decided to

divorce her secretly, this happened:

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him

in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

(Matthew 1:20-21 HCSB)

This is world historical news that would forever change the relationship between humans and

the God of the universe. It wasn’t just good news; it was the best news there would ever be. But

the first thing the angel said was “don’t be afraid.”

Later we see an angel telling the Shepherds the same thing:

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around

them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I

proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:9-10 HCSB)

This world can be a scary place. There are legitimate things to fear, and even more things that

can cause some level of anxiety. But I’ve noticed a couple things about toddlers learning to

jump into a pool.

First, when the parent promises to catch them, they always do. Second, the more times the

toddler wills himself to jump, trust goes up and fear goes down.

Never fear. Christmas is here.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Did you know there are approximately 12 million people in the world who have no access to a Bible in their language. That’s 1131 languages or people groups. In 2025, you will have an opportunity to help solve that problem. We will have an event called Adopt a Verse where for $40 per verse you can help provide scripture for a people group in Central Asia.