Do Not Be Afraid [Christmas Reflection]

A Blessed and Merry Christmas to you brothers and sisters! 

As we celebrate this Christmas, I'm especially struck by the first words proclaimed after Jesus is born.  The angel says to the shepherds “do not be afraid.” These words were also used in the events leading up to Christ's birth. The first thing the angel Gabriel says to Mary at the Annunciation are “do not be afraid.” Similar with St. Joseph, the angel says to him in a dream, “Do not be afraid Joseph to take Mary as your wife.” 

Why would the first words God has proclaimed to the human race on the birth of His Son be “do not be afraid”?  

I think it has to do with sin. There’s something about sin that makes us suspicious of God. Sin has the effect of prompting us to view God as a threat to our freedom. We can see God as an opponent in our desire for happiness, rather than a lover Father who wants to lead us to happiness. I think that's why God has the angels begin their proclamation with “do not be afraid.” 

In 1803 when Lewis and Clark led the expedition that explored the Louisiana Purchase territory, they took with them a Native American squaw (woman) and her papoose (baby). This woman, Sacagawea, served as a translator, but she fulfilled another vital role as well. When the expedition encountered tribes of Native Americans, the presence of this woman and her child was a sign to the Native Americans that the expedition was not a war party, that they came in peace. There's something about a mother and her infant that signals to us no hostile intent. Maybe God knew that when He decided to send His Son in the way He did. 

So the angels proclaim, then and now, do not be afraid.

Do not be afraid of God.

Do not be afraid when He draws close.

Do not be afraid of our past, He can heal it.

Do not be afraid of what the Lord may ask of us because whatever He asks of us He will give us the grace for.

Do not be afraid of making more room for Christ in our lives.

Do not be afraid, brothers and sisters, of a God who comes to us as an infant.