Main Thought
There are a lot of cheerful things present during the Christmas season: trees, lights, gifts, Christmas music, parties, and more. But fear is present too. Fear was even present prior to the advent (or arrival) of Christ. Joseph, the husband of Mary and adopted father of Christ on earth, wrestled with different fears after discovering Mary was pregnant. We might find ourselves in a similar situation. Christmas cheer doesn’t make our fear disappear.
But God gave us a solution to the problem of fear. He gave us the gift of His love; He can make our fear leave. God cares for us and He’s capable of helping us. This is proven by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God’s love requires something from us before we can fully experience and enjoy it though (just like a gift that requires batteries before use). The gift of God’s love requires our trust. We trust in God when we follow His lead and rest in His love. Our experience of His love grows when we trust Him, and it can keep growing until it overwhelms our fears.
Main Passages
'Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.'
- Matthew 1:18-25
'There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. '
- 1 John 4:18
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Discussion Questions
Are there any fears you’re facing in this season? Please share them with your group, if you’re able to do so.
How can God’s love be a solution to our fears?
We exercise our trust in God when we follow His lead (doing things His way) and rest in His love. Which of those two things has been a bigger challenge for you recently? How can you grow in that area practically?