To be human is to understand what it means to fear. The smallest child is afraid when
the lights turn off at night. The most famous rock star is driven by fear of rejection
from their adoring fans. Fear keeps us from the Thanksgiving dinner table (or perhaps
fuels the shouting match after the pumpkin pie is served). Fear causes us to stockpile
our houses with toilet paper and water bottles “just in case.” Fear elevates and prolongs
our anxiety or our shame as we choose to avoid addressing our mistakes - and
the mistakes of others - out of concern that we’ll only make things worse.
The season of Advent helps us long for a different reality: one ruled by peace rather
than fear. For the Son of God was born into our tribulation, despair, and fear not just to
comfort us but to bring about an end to whatever terrifies us most.
This is why the psalmist can assert, “We will not fear, though the earth gives way.”
It’s why one of Jesus’ common refrains is “Fear not.”
It’s why Paul proclaims that the peace of God guards and rules over the hearts of his
people.
The Prince of Peace comes to live for us, die for us, and rise for us. In doing so,
he overcomes death itself, cleanses us of our sin, defeats the evil one, and makes us righteous.
Through faith in our Savior, born Immanuel, we cannot be rejected, we have nothing
to be ashamed of, and we have the promise of life everlasting. In Christ alone, fear is
exchanged for peace.
We pray, whether you use this as a personal devotional or in a group setting, that these
Scripture passages and reflections on the good news of God’s peace strengthen your
faith in the only one who can answer our dread, the one who willingly entered a fearful
and terrified world as an innocent and helpless babe and by which the angels proclaimed:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he
is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)