It is Christmas day! I traveled with my family to southern part of Tamilnadu State in India to spend Christmas with our dear ones. All over the world this time of the year is commemorated as a special occasion. It could be a white Christmas or a Summer Christmas depending upon which part of the globe you live. In 2004, it was a new experience for our family when we celebrated summer Christmas in Brisbane, Australia. The celebration of Christmas may vary from region to region but the center of Christmas day is Christ's birth. 

More than two thousand years ago the silent night was broken by the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 9-10). Joseph and Mary were also terrified when the angel appeared to them and spoke about the virgin birth. 

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:26-38). 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Mathew 1:18-21).”

Joseph, Mary and Shepherds were all afraid when the angels told the good news. They all had their doubts and fear in their minds. But one common message was proclaimed by the angels i.e. "DO NOT BE AFRAID" and I bring good news of Christ's birth. 

We are in the end of 2013, and all of us have different reasons to be fear. It could be be the fear of 2014....what would happen to me....or it could be some sickness bothering us...what would be the response to treatment. May be, we are in some financial trouble or unable to clear the exam....or you may be waiting for a job opening. Our mind may be filled with anxious thoughts about the future. Joseph, Mary and Shepherds also had the same feeling. They were not engulfed in the fear but all of them responded to their call. Mary and Joseph submitted to God's will. 

Let us also submit our lives to Jesus Christ during this Christmas 2013. The God of all comfort will give us Peace and drive away all our fears. May the Lord shower His blessings on all of us.