Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Isaiah 40:1

As we age, we struggle with temptations of the world: fear, worry, impatience. These things take a toll on our attitude and dampen our joy of life in Christ. In the Gospel accounts which record the birth of Christ, they tell of angels who were sent by God to Mary, Joseph, and even shepherds in the field with the comfort of a well-loved phrase: “Fear not.” Amid troubled hearts and anxious souls, these great words of compassion turned sorrow into joy. God promises to do the same for us. When you are worried, you can be sure the Lord sends the Great Comforter the Holy Spirit to be your strength and guide. To you God says, “Fear not, for I am with you always.”

Denise Seaman
Clive, IA

Lord, you are my Good Shepherd. Help me to trust always in your promises. Amen.

Reflect: God’s promises are the same for us as they have been for all his people.

Read: Psalm 23 and Luke 2:8-20