Do Not Be Afraid
Monday, December 18, 2023
By: Betty Coats
And when the time for the burning of incense came all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the alter of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was gripped with fear. But the angel said to to him "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth.
Luke 1;10-14
Zacheriah was serving as a priest and his division was on duty that day to go into the temple and burn incense. It was his duty to keep it burning in the alter in front of of the Most Holy Place where God's presence appeared. One can imagine Zacheriah was concentrating on his duty when suddenly Gabriel appeared. He had prayed for a child but at his old age was skeptical and did not believe the message that they would become parents and his prayer had been heard and answered. Not only it would be a son, but his name would be John a delight to him and to many.
We too have been in Zachariah's place of disbelief and fear. Knowing that phrase "Do not be afraid" is found in the Bible 365 times is a calling from God that we do not have to live in fear. Today it would seem there is much to fear and we pray to God to solve our fears and disbelief. In the scriptures he
tells us to be patient, be still and listen, and "Do Not Be Afraid."
Heavenly Father, during this time of Advent we lift up our fears and disbelief and lean on the hope, love, peace, joy and hope Christ's birth brought. Amen
Beautiful music.
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