Anxiety

Mary was greatly troubled at his words...

but the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary,

you have found favor with God." 

Luke 1:29,30

Can you imagine?  Mary is a young girl.  She's never been married.  She's engaged.  An angel shows up at her house.  This angel is terrifying in itself, but the message he bears--the fact that Mary is going to have a baby...well, that's just paralyzing.  In Mary's culture, to be pregnant and unmarried is the worst disgrace.  Disgraceful enough that Joseph would leave her.  She'd be alone, and shunned.

Although we don't feel anxiety to the degree of Mary's, there's plenty of anxiety to be had this time of year.  For us at least, the anxiety seems to stem from finances.  Money can only stretch so far, yet there's presents, food, travel, and the usual bills to pay for.  Then there's time.  There's work, parties, school functions...it is all so stressful.  It is so easy to get lost in the shuffle and give in to the anxiety.

Yet Mary didn't give in to the anxiety.  Through the One who would come from her womb, she could stand fearless not just before the holy angels bu the holy Lord himself.  "God, my Savior," she called her child some verses later.  Jesus was the answer for Mary's Christmas anxiety.  

Just as Jesus is the answer for our own anxiety. God favored Mary, and God favors us.  He sent His Son to remove our sins with his payment.  He sent Jesus so we can stand without anxiety before him this blessed Christmas season.  It is the peace that passes all understanding.

We pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, Christmastime can be filled with anxiety.  Just as you gave Mary peace through Your Son, give us peace.  Remove the fear from our sinful hearts.  Fill them with joy because of our Savior's birth.  Amen.