Does your desire for control influence your relationship with God?
Some people are afraid of the Christmas season and what it brings. Christmas reminds them of the broken relationships with their family and friends. They hate the nativity scene, and they don’t want others to have joy when they are so miserable, so they might even threaten lawsuits. They hate Christmas because they fear it.
Herod was afraid of Jesus and Christmas because he thought it would threaten his kingdom. When the wise men came to him and asked where they could find Jesus, Herod was furious. He wanted to find Jesus because he didn’t want anyone taking his place. He tried to wipe out all of the competition. Herod murdered all the baby boys two years and under born in Bethlehem. Even though he was the king, he lived in fear.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
Many people are afraid of knowing God because they can’t control Him. They fear losing their freedom, so they live in total bondage to fear, but when you invite Jesus into your life, He gives you purpose and an intimate relationship with a God who will not leave you or forsake you no matter how much you struggle in life. The answer to fear is not courage, it’s love.
Many people try to find purpose in success, power, and having fun, but their lives don’t make sense and they know that they are unhappy and unsatisfied, even if they are more successful than they had ever dreamed.
When you’re connected to the Creator who made you, life has eternal meaning. Don’t live in fear this Christmas. Remember what the angel said to the shepherds.
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
