"The Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

Do not be afraid ... I am bringing you good news of great joy! As I write this reflection, there is a lot of fear and anxiety swirling around me: 14 people shot dead in San Bernardino, CA – many unanswered questions being asked; gun sales going higher as people fear the government may try to take away their "right" to own weapons of mass destruction; permit requests for civilians to carry and conceal a weapon are on the rise in states where it is legal; loud shouting about the 2nd Amendment and what it means; tears of mourning and anger fall faster and faster as this scenario becomes more common.

I am not arguing about guns in this devotion. I am, however, asserting that fear is an enemy that causes us to take up arms, shoot our neighbors, place our trust in the false promise of security through weaponry, and look with suspicion upon our sisters and brothers of different races, religions, and ethnicities.

Fear is also the enemy of our Christian faith. Over and over again the witness of Scripture is clear – in Christ we have nothing to fear. As disciples of the Prince of Peace we are called to proclaim and believe this promise. As Christians our trust and hope is in the God found in a lowly manger and hanging upon a cross. Placing our hope in our own abilities, strength, or weaponry is a sin from which we are called to repent.

The shepherds who heard the angel's message in Luke's gospel had a lot to be afraid of. They were living in a country occupied by a foreign power. They were vulnerable out in the fields doing their jobs. They were considered among the lowest of society. And now they were seeing a vision that made no sense!

The angel's message is one we need to hear today. It is a word of gospel hope in the midst of an anxious and fearful world. It is a message of assurance to you and me – "Do not be afraid...I am bringing you good news of great joy!" Jesus has come into this world to calm our fears, give us abundant life, and walk with us wherever we go. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we hear, believe, and share the angel's message.

Come, Lord Christ, and calm our fears. Help us to lay down our weapons of false security and take up the cause of peace. Show us how to live for others. Bring us the joy that the gift of the Christ child pours into our world. Come, Lord Christ, and calm our fears. Amen.

Contributed by Bishop Bartholomew
Monday December 7, 2015
Liturgical Year C: Week 2
Liturgical Color: Blue
Sunday Gospel reading: Advent2
Second Sunday in Advent