Fear of Unexpected Change
A FearLESS Christmas • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 35:43
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· 257 viewsThe refrain of Christmas is "do not be afraid". Yet, we live in a world of fear. Christmas combats fear with hope, love, joy, peace and grace because Christmas is about Christ. Learn about how to combat the fear of unexpected change as we look at the story of Christmas through the story of the Shepherds.
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Christmas deals with fear.
Christmas deals with fear.
losing control
unexpected chane
not being “good enough”
being alone
disappointing others
missing out
having to be “perfect”
disapproval of those you love
others
messing up your “kids”
not leaving anything for the “next”
not being relevant or needed/wanted
having our “work” dismantled
having no purpose
being hurt again
Not having enough money/economic crisis
One fear: Unexpected change.
One fear: Unexpected change.
We can normally deal with change if we are given enough time and preparation. However, it is the sudden and unseen change which can cause major issues. The issue is life cannot be scripted. Though we try, and we do try, change will happen and unexpected change will happen. I wonder if some of the reason we are seeing a rise in anxiety, depression and related mental health issues is because we are trying to control the uncontrollable—life. This desire to script out life is a desire to achieve perfection.
Christmas reminds us of two things:
We are not perfect.
We are not perfect.
God came in the midst of imperfection.
God came in the midst of imperfection.
Normal response: Fight, flee or freeze.
Normal response: Fight, flee or freeze.
Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. There is nothing wrong with this response at times. However for many of us in our culture today the fear goes beyond what is “useful” to being a force which robs us of life and relationships.
Fear stops us from thinking. Fear isolates. Fear enslaves. Longterm-fear kills and destroys.
Fear stops us from thinking. Fear isolates. Fear enslaves. Longterm-fear kills and destroys.
This much is clear. We do what is “natural” or at least what we think will work to survive. This is helpful but not sustainable for good healthy life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Satan and his forces use fear to do just this—make us exist only. As our society becomes more and more fearful we have the opportunity to be the non-anxious, calming presence of Christ.
The reality is if we as Christians become afraid of others, our culture, our society, of unexpected change, of change in general we are allowing the Enemy to win. We may survive and exist but we will not be living. At least not living the life of Jesus.
Digest the information. Engage the brain.
Digest the information. Engage the brain.
The angel said, “city of David”; the shepherds said “Bethlehem”. This is key. Fear will try to not allow you to digest the information or pin it down. Being fearless and Fearing LESS requires us to know what is being said. Christmas is not hard to understand in some level.
Take action, now. Physically do something.
Take action, now. Physically do something.
Fear keeps it power by its ability to stop us from taking deliberate action.
Don’t go it alone. Stay connected relationally.
Don’t go it alone. Stay connected relationally.
The talking is done by all of the shepherds not just one. Though Luke gives us a very abbreviated account of what is said I do believe some time passes here.
Look for signs of truth in Christ.
Look for signs of truth in Christ.
This is the key for the shepherds, the manger. Why? They knew what one looked like. In the story of the Magi they have a star. Why? because they knew what that was.
This is not to say everything is relative. It is to say Christ works in ways we can see. He is not asking us to look for something which cannot be found or we do not understand. He uses our knowledge, experience, relationships, hopes and FEARS to show himself.
The question to ask: “Where is Christ?”
The question to ask: “Where is Christ?”
This is where those of us who have known Jesus for a while can help new Christians and yet to be Christ followers. Our job is to say, “there He is!” Christ is at work in our world we need to start looking to see how. Christ is working in your life, the question is where are you noticing.
Simple things can have great meaning, and power.
Simple things can have great meaning, and power.
This is the manger. There may have been at least one other baby born around the time of Jesus and in Bethlehem. The shepherds were given a sign they could understand, a simple manger. To any other bystander this was nothing, but to shepherds it was the sign of truth.
Keep moving.
Keep moving.
We do not know much about what happened between the decision to go to Bethlehem and actually finding Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
Share the news with others.
Share the news with others.
Result: Peace with & from God. Emotional benefit
Result: Peace with & from God. Emotional benefit
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Truth: Unexpected change can lead to a story of God’s faithfulness.
Truth: Unexpected change can lead to a story of God’s faithfulness.
Just think if the shepherds would have just stayed put. Maybe some did. Yet, we know of them because of their willingness to allow God interrupt their night.
Go quickly to Jesus!
Go quickly to Jesus!
He alone is the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. All things which fear tries to rob from us Christ provides.
Christmas combats fear with grace, hope, love, joy and peace.
Christmas combats fear with grace, hope, love, joy and peace.