Fear can loom over our lives, especially during important times. The first Christmas was no exception, as key people were told not to fear. Over four days, this devotional will look at reasons we can overcome fear using the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. We will see how God’s message to them still apply to us today.
Rob McFarlane
Day 1
Scripture: Luke 1:5-25
Zechariah – God Hears Our Prayers
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:11-13 (ESV).
Zechariah and Elizabeth had been praying for a child for many years. Despite their advanced age, God heard their prayers and answered them in His perfect timing. This reminds us that no matter how long we have been waiting or how impossible our situation seems, God hears us and will answer in His way and His time. What prayer have you been waiting on God to answer, and how can you trust His timing and method?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for hearing my prayers even when it feels like nothing is happening. Help me trust Your perfect timing and way of answering. Strengthen my faith as I wait on You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 2
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Mary – Found Favor with God
And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:28-30 (ESV).
Mary was chosen by God to bear His Son, a daunting and overwhelming task. Yet, she was assured not to fear because she had found favor with God. Through Jesus Christ, we too have found favor with God. His grace covers us, giving us the strength to face any challenge. How does knowing you have found favor with God through Jesus Christ help you face your fears?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your grace and favor through Jesus Christ. Help me to remember that I am not alone and that Your favor rests on me, empowering me to overcome my fears. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 3
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph – The Holy Spirit is Doing Something
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20 (ESV).
Joseph faced a significant dilemma when he discovered Mary was pregnant. He planned to divorce her quietly, but an angel reassured him that the Holy Spirit was at work. Often, we face situations that cause us fear and confusion, but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes through His Holy Spirit. What situation in your life needs the assurance that the Holy Spirit is at work, even if you don’t fully understand it?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the assurance that Your Holy Spirit is at work in my life. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand what is happening. Guide me and give me peace. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 4
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Shepherds – We Have Received the Gospel
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:9-10 (ESV).
The shepherds were ordinary people going about their daily work when they received the most extraordinary news: the Savior had been born! This good news dispelled their fear and filled them with joy. We too have received this Gospel, which forgives our past, strengthens our present, and secures our future. How does the Gospel message help you overcome fear in your daily life?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the good news of Jesus Christ. Help me to live in the joy and peace that come from knowing my sins are forgiven, that You are with me, and my future is secure. In Jesus name, Amen.