Fear Not: A Christmas Meditation for 2015
'Fear not.' We need to hear those simple words loud and clear this Christmas season. Fear runs through the hallways of many hearts these days screaming, 'Be afraid, be very afraid.' Why such fear? It could be said many are experiencing many levels of debilitating, paralyzingly fear—a lack of courage to live with faith, hope, and love.
The first level of fear is actually primal and nearly unexplainable. It is the feeling that there's been an earthquake in our world, homes, schools, government, in culture in general, that has shaken the foundations of human existence—and no one knows the location of the epicenter of the earthquake. Like a tsunami that rips across the ocean floor, only showing its power at the last moment as it rises out of the depths of the waters crashing onto a beach filled with unsuspecting tourists, the seismic changes that were stirring beneath the surface are now crashing onto the beaches of daily living, drowning us in fear, doubt, and anxiety. This fear breeds primal anxiety.
Add to the general fear of seismic change the spiritual and moral anxiety many feel and it makes for a potent mix. Many are asking, 'Who changed the moral, spiritual, and relational rules of life? Definitions of time-honored institutions and meanings have been changed, truth seems subjective and whimsical, and it appears that the 'inmates are running the asylum.' How did this happen? Have we lost our moral and spiritual acumen? And why does it seem that everyone simply does what is right in their own eyes? Moral chaos and anarchy rule the day. The fear of losing a moral and spiritual center is palpable. This fear breeds uncertainty.
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And if these fears are not enough we must now factor in the seemingly daily fear of terror, both local and global. Whether terror is real or perceived, we have arrived at a moment in history where terrorism is a component of daily life. You can draw a line from 9/11, to Paris, and through San Bernardino straight to our hearts and minds. No longer will we be able to go to an outing without looking over our shoulder or giving due consideration to our surroundings. Learning to live with this daily fear can breed debilitating fear.
And what about my own personal fears and anxieties, the normal fair of life? Am I loved? Can I love and be loved? Do I have a purpose and will I ever find it? And can I find of place of peace, contentment, and acceptance? Will I ever know the warmth of deep and caring relationships? Is it possible to overcome my past or to look to a hopeful future? Will I ever get well? Will I ever meet Mr. Right or Mrs. Right? And what should I do with my life? Such fears can breed the fear of self-loathing and self-doubt.
And on top of all of these fears is the fear that no one is at the controls, guiding this great blue globe we call earth to any kind of purposeful and peaceful destination. Many feel as if our governmental leaders are not in control, leading and guiding in proper and thoughtful ways; other places seem out of control as well, i.e., schools, universities, police departments, cities, businesses, and all things in general—the plane is flying but no one is in the cockpit. This fear can breed insanity—the insanity that comes from feeing out of control, a fear that can lead people to think and do crazy things..
What do we say to the fear of anxiety, the fear of uncertainty, to self-loathing, debilitating, insane fear? As a Christian I say we need to hear Luke 2:10-11 once again: "And the angel said to the shepherds, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" To fear in general let us say, "Fear not." To the fear of uncertainty let us say that there is good news, the kind of good news —Immanuel has come—that brings great joy to many people.
And what do we say to the other fears? To the fear of self-loathing let us say that there is a Savior who forgives sinners, bringing meaning and internal, eternal life to those who receive it. And to the fear of losing control we say that this Savior, Jesus, is also "Christ the Lord," the One who is sovereign over all things.
