Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” NIV

If we had an angel light up our bedroom in the middle of the night, we might find ourselves a little rattled.  The messengers from God bring the presence of God.  Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe is me, for I am undone.”  The angel heralded, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy.”  I cannot hear the tidings of great joy until I hear the words, do not be afraid.  The holiness of a perfect God undoes us.  The love of a perfect God embraces us.  Jesus embodied both  He was full of grace and truth.

I wonder this Christmas what the Father may wish to undo in your life that you might live a life after Him?  Selfishness, pride, anger, bitterness, jealousy, indiscipline, anxiety, greed, to name of few.  When we give HIm the gift of our lives, He undoes us, that He might redo us, transform us.  The Holy Spirit continues to carve away anything that does not resemble Jesus, that is, if we allow it.

Jesus came to transform; you, me, neighborhoods, villages, cities, nations, and the world.  “Do not be afraid.”  “We can do all things through HIm who gives us strength.”  “Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.”  This Christmas, hear the words of the angel. Give Christ your life of fear and let him transform it to joy.

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