Fear and Joy, Luke 1:30, 47-48; 2:9-10, 20
This year, in this season of advent, I’ve come into it experiencing or feeling a couple of emotions which also stand out in Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. These two emotions contrast with each other and can be quite strong. They are fear and joy. Mary was found to be fearful by the angel Gabriel when he came to her (Luke 1:30). However, she later rejoices (an outpouring of joy) in God that He would have regard for her (Lk 1:47-48). Similarly, the shepherds were also fearful when approached by an angel of the Lord (Lk 2:9-10). The angel puts them at ease with a message of good news or great joy which will be for all the people! The shepherds too, glorified and praised God after their experience of having heard about and seen the baby Jesus (Lk 2:20). Their fear had been replaced with joy.
As a missionary, I’m fortunate and thankful to be able to take a sabbatical after 15 years of service, as the stress of living and working cross-culturally has worn me down. To be transparent, joy (also a fruit of God’s Spirit) has been lacking in recent months and fear has crept in at times. The missionary life brings many unknowns, which I’m used to and have been accustomed to embracing through faith. Perhaps fatigue led to a season of not replacing fear of the unknowns ahead, with joy.
As the angel said to the shepherds, Christ’s birth is meant to bring joy for all people. That joy can look different for each person. For some, an outward expression of happy excitement. For others, it could be a quieter confidence deep in the soul. No matter what we’re experiencing in life we should each have a joy in our hearts for who God is and what He did for us in being born as a baby, not letting the trials or pains of life take that away. When we give our lives and joy to Him, He does the work of overcoming pain or even loss we may be experiencing. SO, not only was Jesus born so He could save us, but also that He could be our source of joy in all things in our lives. Luke’s text has challenged and encouraged me in this. I hope it does the same in your life.
LS
