Every December I have the opportunity to play Santa Claus for children. I enjoy seeing how big their eyes get, how excited they are to be able to sit on my knee and tell me what they want for Christmas. It brings joy to the child and the parents taking pictures. However, there are a few that seem to be terrified to come near this person from the North Pole. They cry and scream and wiggle to get off my knee. Moms and dads want that picture one way or another though and will go at great lengths to get it.
I usually don’t say the words, “don’t be afraid,” but I try my best to calm their fears. On occasion I will get the one child who is so cute as she stares at me in shock and awe, then realizes I may be the abominable snow man and that face slowly changes to fear. The photographer must work fast.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to be Santa for 246 preschoolers over the course of four hours in a hot Santa suit. I know, you want to know where you can sign up to do that too, right? These kids are 4 and 5 years old. I love that age because when they see me, their eyes double in size, they smile and wave and can’t wait to sit on my knee and tell me what they want for Christmas. It was so cool because on this one day, it began to snow outside while I was there, and they thought I brought the snow with me from the North Pole! These kids were not afraid at all.
In God’s Word, angels are mentioned over two hundred times. Sometimes, when they appeared to a person in the Bible as a messenger from God, they realized they may startle the person, so the first words communicated by them are “do not be afraid,” or “do not fear.” Most often the person is scared or fearful of what may happen. Take Mary the mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she was greatly troubled at his greeting, and he told her “Do not be afraid.” When the shepherds were watching over the sheep in the fields the night Jesus was born they were terrified when an angel appeared. This angel again said, “do not be afraid.” If an angel appears to me, I am going to need the angel to say, “do not be afraid!”
Fear. One of the enemy’s most effective weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, and fear can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. We fear for our children’s future, our families, our financial future, and our safety. The list goes on. There actually is a lot we could potentially worry about. Yet reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the “what if’s” is never good.
I believe the disciples were afraid the night before Jesus was crucified. As he explained how they would deny knowing him and even one turning him in to be killed. They feared living in a world without the physical friend of Jesus.
God does not want us to live our lives in fear. He created us in love, and He wants us to share love with one another. Be kind to people. Go out of your way to help someone. Live a life that when people mention your name, they know you for love and sharing with others. Smile as often as possible. People are lifted up when they see a smile on someone’s face.
Just don’t live in fear. Do not be afraid. God is always with you everywhere you go and can handle any situation that may arise. Remember that saying: “If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.” As we enter the holidays pray for others and allow God to use you to bless someone’s life this holiday season.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1 (NIV)
Jim Everett
