Guest Column / Debra Tomaselli

Be not afraid, and believe in the Savior of the world

It was a dark, starry night. “Omar” tapped his staff, guiding his sheep past the sharp, craggy edges of a rock. Moments later, he waved his cloak, steering them away from a cliff covered in darkness. This guy could do this job with his eyes closed. He knew the fields; he knew his sheep.

Next, he scanned the furthest corners of the countryside, spotting fellow workers tending their flock. All was calm. All was well.

Suddenly, the nighttime sky grew bright. Brighter than any full moon could deliver. Brilliantly bright. Too bright. Scary bright.

Omar trembled. He called to the other shepherds. One, staring aloft, was frozen in place. Another, racing across the field, was panting with fear.

Before this, life seemed predictable.

But this … this was so unexpected. This was startling. This was unnerving.

Suddenly, a voice spoke from the heavens. In the midst of gripping fear, the shepherds heard it.

“Don’t be afraid” (Lk 2:10).

They looked at each other. They cocked their heads.

An announcement followed: “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord, had been born tonight in Bethlehem. How will you recognize him? You’ll find a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger” (Lk 2: 10-12).

The shepherds, well-versed in Scripture, understood. They’d been waiting for a Messiah. They believed. They jumped into action.

“Come on,” they said. “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about” (Lk 2:15).

They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manager. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd’s story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them. (Lk 2:16-19)

Like the shepherds, our daily lives can lull us into a false sense of security. We think we’re in control. We set earthly goals. We think we can handle anything. We think we’ve seen it all … until, suddenly, something unexpected happens.

It may be a job loss, an irreversible illness, or a death … and our security suddenly shatters.

Our world, as we knew it, changes. Abruptly. Unexpectedly. Unpredictably.

Like the shepherds in the field, we’re terrified.

Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’ve wrestled with unwanted twists in life. Maybe you’re afraid. Maybe you’re stumbling with uncertainty.

Maybe we can learn from those frightened shepherds in the field.

Perhaps we need to look up.

Maybe we need to heed the heavenly whispers: Can you hear it? Don’t be afraid.

Perhaps we can embrace the heavenly hosts surrounding us. Angels in disguise. Love in action.

Let’s race to find the Lord and then to share our own astonishing stories of God’s guidance and presence.

Because he’s here with you.

What scares you?

Don’t be afraid, he says. He’s got this.

He’s here … in this age, in this day, in this hour … in this momento.

He’s here … now, and forever.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 

(Debra Tomaselli writes from Altamonte Springs, Florida. She can be reached at dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.) †