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A few years back, we had a Christmas play at our church. Angel Gabriel, a nine-year old boy, was supposed to step into the sanctuary before a kneeling Mary and say: Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

But he got hit with stage fright and forgot his lines.

His four year old sister, who was supposed to be a silent angel, stepped beside him. Reminding him of his lines, she waved her angel wings and shouted, “Fee not. Fee not. Fee not. Fee not.”

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Laughter filled the silent church. What an exuberant fearless little cherub!

The words “Fear not” or “Do Not Be Afraid” are mentioned many times in the Bible. 

At the Annunciation: And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:30-33 (KJV)

And these comforting words from Isaiah 41:10:

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. 

Though the world is becoming a fearful place now with all of the violence and turmoil, we shouldn’t be afraid. We should keep our eyes on Jesus. He is Emmanuel – God With Us. He can calm our fears. He will strengthen us. He will help us. He will uphold us.

Like that little four year old angel, fearlessly stepping out to help her brother deliver his lines, we too should not be afraid to step out like a child into the arms of loving God.

Below is a great song with lyrics…Fear Not!