Day 24 - Christmas Eve

 
 
 
BIBLE VERSE
The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. (Luke 2:1-10)
 

REFLECTION
“Do not be afraid” is at the heart of the Christmas story! It comes from the lips of the Angel: to Mary, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God’; to Joseph, ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife’, and to the shepherds. 365 times is found in the Bible – one for each day! Admittedly we do fear and worry, even leading us to helplessness or foolishness. But this Christmas, God wants to transform our fears into new possibilities – He who in becoming a baby wanted to replace fear in us with awe!
 

PRAYER ACTIVITY – FEARLESS ANGELS
Tomorrow morning is Christmas. Tonight before bed, go at your crib or Christmas tree and take an angel in your hand. As you think about your fears and concerns – fears of sickness, of conflicts, of unsuccess, of experiencing pressure or rejection – write them down on a sticky note and stick-it onto or put it under the angel until morning. Ask God from your heart to take away your fears even this very night, the holiest of nights. Tomorrow morning, thank God for Christmas, tear the paper and throw it away.
 

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, you have become small and fragile because indeed you are God-with-us in our fears and limitations. This Christmas I want to entrust completely all my fears and shame into your hand because I know that you care for me and can remove it even now. Let my healing be a ‘sign’ that helps me grow in my faith in you.