Potentially brittle conversations.
Unrealistic expectations.
Missing loved ones.
The holidays can often increase anxiety as the Hallmark scenes we long for simply don’t come to fruition.
The opposite of fear is trust. So, how do we resist the anxious thoughts?
On that Holy Night, did Mary say:
“Joseph, they’re dirty. Do we let them in?”
“I can’t let them hold him - what if they carry disease?!”
“Did you wash your hands?”
“I’m afraid.”
We don’t know the whole story, except for what we have in the Bible. Tradition suggests that Mary and Joseph stayed with family in town, but the guest room was full. Mary had already endured so much. Were her cousins whispering about her in the corner? Did she feel the ridicule, shame-filled glances, and judgment of others?
Her story begins with a phrase that matters:
“Do not be afraid.” Luke 1:30
Mary spoke face-to-face with an angel of God, whose first words offered calm and reassurance. Later, tired from days of travel, then labor and delivery, strangers jostled for position.
Amazed, bewildered, noisy, unclean: Shepherds.
How would she protect her baby?
On that Holy Night, did the shepherds exclaim:
“Bethlehem - it’s so far! Hurry!”
“Will our sheep be okay while we’re gone?”
“Will anyone believe us? If not, what will they do to us?”
“We’re afraid.”
Shepherds were often young, like King David so many years before. Nights were spent in the wild, surrounded by smelly animals and potential danger.
Yet, quiet settled in after dark.
And then….the angels.
“Δόξα εν υψίστοις Θεώ, και επί γης ειρήνη, εν ανθρώποις ευδοκία.”
”Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Rising from their stupor, who spoke first? Did they think they were dreaming?
Chaos ensued. Who would stay? Who would go? They raced toward town, blinking away disbelief.
As they ran, did they weigh the cost of leaving their herds?
Would townspeople call them crazy? Lock them up?
Then, they remembered the angel’s first words:
“Do not be afraid.” Luke 2:10
God’s glory had burst into their silent night. Their mouths gaped, hearts pounding.
Simple, lowly, faithful, skilled, kind shepherds.
Who would believe them?
On that Holy Night, did Joseph think:
“How can this be - a son?”
“My life is too common for a King.”
“I would give my life for both of them. How will I provide?”
“I’m afraid.”
A reputable man, he had stood beside his betrothed, despite whispers, unsolicited advice, rejection. A census was ordered, so Joseph complied. He planned and packed for the journey with his very pregnant wife.
A carpenter, he couldn’t afford fancy lodging. Bethlehem was crowded. Jesus would be born in humble circumstances, laid in a manger, right beside the animals.
Mary and Jesus were safe, and Joseph sighed in relief, welcoming quiet and rest. Just the three of them, finally.
Then strangers barreled through the door, breathless and talking over one another:
“Angels!”
“Singing!”
“A Savior!”
Joseph’s story wasn’t getting simpler. But then, he remembered the angel’s first words:
“Do not be afraid.” Matthew 1:20
Joseph had spoken with a messenger from God. God saw him, chose him, and would care for him.
What else would they face?
As a mother, I can step into Mary’s parenting sandals. The responsibility of raising a child feels enormous. The year behind her was mind-boggling.
Fear knocks.
“How will I keep Him healthy?”
“What if I’m a terrible mom?”
“Is it possible to love Him too much?”
“How will I ever let Him go?”
We are no different. We forget the provision from the past. We act like it’s all up to us, as fear plants seeds of doubt. Anxiety crashes into our lives, convincing us it’s the only option.
Trust is a choice.
Fear loses power when we take our thoughts captive. Try this:
Intend. Set a time and place to meet Jesus. He already knows; He meets you right where you are. No shame.
Name. Say it or write it. “Lord, I’m afraid ____”. Be honest and specific.
Remember. Ask God to surface his faithfulness; the disasters that never happened, the storms you survived.
Surrender. Your loved one is deeply loved by God. Your situation is known to Him. He is not surprised; He is in control.
Commit. Choose a verse. Keep it before your eyes - your phone wallpaper, mirror, fridge.
When you face a holiday table where personalities, values, and beliefs collide.
When the money runs out, what’s hoped for doesn’t arrive, the dream goes silent.
When the prognosis isn’t good, the relationship isn’t mended.
When the empty chair hurts, the small talk cuts.
When they still don’t change, still don’t visit, still don’t call.
When hearts shatter. Again.
Do not be afraid.
If you would like some quiet music as you sit with the One who made you, knows you, and loves you, check out my Soft Christmas Instrumental playlist:
For different methods of connecting with God and His Word, read this post:
Would you like daily reminders of God’s provision and peace to calm your anxious thoughts? Take a peek at my Peace photo scripture card set below.
Finally, if you find a nugget of insight in this post, click on the ❤️ below to make it easier for others to find this, or share this post freely.
“The opposite of fear is trust.” 😊 I have often said that the opposite of fear is faith. But not just faith, a valid faith. Like the one described in Proverbs 3:5,
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
And the one expressed in Psalm 56:3.
3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
I share with you a belief that—especially as we consider the fresh new year ahead—our trust must feature a valid faith in Him as our sole source of salvation, both now and throughout eternity.
Great reminder that Christmas can be full of mixed emotions, and that God tells us not to be afraid. I hope that you had a great celebration!