Merry Christmas, friends!  When I think of Christmas, my heart is drawn again and again to the verse in John 1 that says “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  This begins Jesus’ life of love lived in the flesh with us.  It is amazing that our God would connect with us this way!  It is life changing when we allow His love to define who we are.  Let’s listen for the voice of Love this Christmas.

There are many voices in our lives.  Some come from within us.  Some come from the people and world around us.  What voices do we hear?  Which do we choose to listen to?

Fear is a voice we hear often, in many tones and volumes.  I have heard this voice over time:  “I can’t do it.”  “My feelings are too much – others can’t handle them.”  “I’m an outsider.”  “I’m tired of being me.”  “How do I compare with (other person)?”  “I can’t do anything well.”  “What if there is an accident …”  These messages all come from fear!

Love is not only a virtue.  Love is a person, because God is Love.  Love came down to dwell among us as a human and invite us into trusting relationship with Him.  This causes my thoughts to turn to Mary.  She had much reason to fear.  Clearly, she was afraid when the angel appeared to her.  Through the angel, Love spoke to her,

“Do not be afraid … For nothing will be impossible with God”  ~Luke 1:30, 37

Surely voices from within and outside her would cause her to struggle with fear.  She would need to remember this message!  Much was unknown in her life, and there was real reason for concern about what Joseph and other people would think.  She would go through many fearful situations.  And in responding to the angel, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” she expressed belief and surrender to God’s plan.

Like Mary, we struggle with many fears.  Like Mary, Love speaks into our lives, saying, “Do not be afraid … For nothing will be impossible with God.”  The voice of Love invites us to remember who He is.  He invites us into trusting relationship with Him.  Like Mary, we can respond with faith and trust God’s plan for our lives, despite fear and uncertainty.