Theme: “Be Not Afraid”
Luke Chapter 2:8-11
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Today people are filled with fear. Fear of earthquakes, flood, disease, loss of job, economic turmoil etc. The earth is permeated with fear. In the bible Paul had plenty to be afraid of, he was imprisoned and shipwrecked. Yet Paul tells us the secret of contentment and being at peace with life.
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Paul’s great secret was that he had joy. That joy came from his intimate relationship with Christ. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is transient, we may be happy one day and not the next. But the inner joy that God gives us is lasting and stays with us all the time. The more we pray, read God’s word and trust in God’s faithfulness, we will be filled with his joy, the joy that no man can ever take away. We need not be afraid when we have the joy of the Lord
Christ came and died for us that our joy would be complete. The greatest gift we could ever receive is the joy of the Lord and it is free to all who seek Christ.
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