Have a Fear Not Christmas

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified - and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well Matthew 2:3 Message

Herod: fear of losing - Matthew 2:1-19

“safer to be Herod's pig than his son” Caesar Augustus

Zechariah: fear of - Luke 1:5-25

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. Luke 1:5-13 KJV

Shepherds: fear of the - Luke 2:1-11

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. Luke 2:8-9

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 2:10 ESV

Joseph: fear of - Matthew 1:18-24

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18-20 KJV

Mary: facing the fear of - Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” Luke 1:26-28 ESV

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:30-31 KJV

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

Transitions are about voice recognition. Shaila Visser

What is your only comfort in life and death? I am not my own, but belong body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savor Jesus Christ. Heidelbery Catechism

Questions for Discipleship group and/or personal reflection

• How would you rate your fear level between 1-10?

• What is causing that fear?

• Were you surprised at the frequency of fear that first Christmas?

• Which biblical character that Rick mentioned, do you identify with? Why?

• Read 2 Timothy 1:7.

• What fear can you surrender to God right now? How can your group help?