A Christmas Greeting
…The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. [Luke 2:10-11]
Anxiety and fear sometimes seem to permeate our lives, and on occasion, overwhelm us to the point that we can appear paralyzed and lifeless. Often the thought or mention of war, natural disasters, terrorism, drug addiction, death, and terminal illness leave us feeling troubled and burdened. We fear experiencing these moments of life. Yet fear is not unique to our culture, our generation. Fear was an evident part of life 2,000 years ago when the words of the angel in the Lukan story were spoken.
It was to a band of fearful shepherds out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks of sheep outside of Bethlehem that an angel came and said, “Do not be afraid….” Of course, we might say, that was then, this is now. Yet, I would invite you this Christmas to hear the story of that first Christmas as spoken not only to those shepherds, but hear this powerful message as also being spoken to you. “Do not be afraid; for see … to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior …”
I certainly have days when I need to hear those words of promise and assurance in my life; perhaps you do too. May the message of Jesus’ coming to this world and this life this year fill you with confidence and hope for each and every day that is to come.
Blessed Christmas,
+Bishop Pile
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