Day Two Of Christmas--Pray For Those Who Live In Constant Fear

Our faith, like Mary's, can overcame our fears.

The reassuring words "Fear not" are found repeatedly in the Christmas story, addressed to Joseph, Mary, Zachariah, Simon and to the shepherds. And to all of us.

Today millions live under the constant threat of "bombs bursting in air," of violent gangs blackmailing and plundering, of death by slow and painful starvation or untreated injuries or illnesses.

Meanwhile, many people who are exceedingly well off are nevertheless tormented by anxiety, imagining worst case scenarios of terrible things that might happen to them. Some of that worry is normal, and may even be helpful in small, occasional doses, as ways of preparing ourselves for unforeseen misfortunes. But as believers we can use that same imagination on the faith end of the spectrum as we do on the fear end. We can visualize undeserved and unexpected good things that are equally possible in our future, and that in God's plan will indeed eventually come to pass.

Fear not. Christmas is a sign that God is with us, forever.

Here's a link to an earlier post on overcoming irrational fears (phobias):
https://harvyoder.blogspot.com/2012/04/fears-and-phobias.html