And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11-12
A pastor wrote a blog post a few years ago about Linus and his recitation of Luke 2, and how he drops his security blanket when he says, “Fear not.” It’s worth Googling if you haven’t read it.
I have always lived with fear. During a few times in my life, such as when I began junior high school and when we moved to Utah, my fears grew to crushing anxiety. I know how fear works. It feeds on the idea that we are alone and without help. But this is the biggest lie. The message of the angel is that the Savior’s help is for all people, everywhere, anytime, for anything. Fear not, he is here, you can go to him. This is joy. This is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.