08 Dec There’s No Room For Fear At Christmas
Imagine it is 17 days before Christmas. Mary, a young girl who is about to become the mother of the child who will change history, is feeling uneasy. She is traveling to Bethlehem, a small town 70 miles from home. Although encouraged by God through the angel Gabriel’s visit, she must also draw on her own courage to believe. Her journey is one about faith and the strength of God’s plan, inviting us to find hope amid uncertainties.
A thousand years before Mary’s trip to Bethlehem, another young believer faced a far different challenge. David, the shepherd boy who defeated the nine and a half foot tall giant with a sling and a stone, has inspired generations across sport, life, and business. Mary would have known David’s story well. She knew that God had prepared him through battles with lions and filled him with confidence through His word. She also knew that she was a descendant of David and that she was traveling to his hometown, Bethlehem. The courage that marked David’s win and Mary’s obedience forms a powerful thread through Christmas. They remind us that, with God running the show, we can overcome our giants and live with confidence in His strength.
Throughout the #1 selling book in the world: God equips those who are called, rather than only calling the equipped. David’s battle with the giant Goliath is often misunderstood because he never thought of himself as an underdog. He had God on his side, and he went into battle to win.
The unmarried Mary went to Bethlehem for the taxation census, but she knew she had a greater calling. She didn’t allow her fear to keep her small. Recognizing your calling can give you strength and purpose during this season.
The message of embracing a calling over fear remains true today. Christmas, as wonderful as it is, can also have challenges. This Christmas season, let’s pray for the courage of David and Mary. Embracing our calling can help us overcome fears and lead with faith, just as they did. Great leaders and coaches lead with courage and belief. This season is filled with opportunity, so the question becomes what will lead us this Christmas season? Will it be faith over fear? This doesn’t just happen without us accepting a call to faith and courage, which is available to all.