Fear. It’s not the first thought that comes to mind during the Christmas season, nor does it seem like something to be discussed at such a celebratory time. We prefer to focus on the twinkling lights and the herald of angels. However, as we celebrate the arrival of Jesus and remember why He came, it helps to realize exactly what He changed.
Fear was not part of God’s original design. Neither were its cousins: shame, brokenness, pain, and loss, just to name a few. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve existed in a landscape of total security. They did not know the relentless churn of anxiety or the heavy weight of dread until they chose to pursue sin. That choice broke their relationship with God and instantly turned their sanctuary into a hiding place. Ever since that moment, humanity has lived in the shadows. We continue to experience this urge to hide, whether we are retreating from emotional pain, worried at the uncertainty of tomorrow, or being crushed by the weight of our own secrets.
But God…
Those two words hold the weight of eternity. They are the turning point for all humanity. When we were at a point of total loss, God did not leave us to the consequences of our choices. He did not leave us cowering in the bushes. Instead, he began the greatest rescue mission in history. This mission is summarized in Romans 5:8, beginning with those two words: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The arrival of Jesus was the final answer to the fear that began in Eden. Think of the shepherds in the field or Mary in her room; their first reaction to the divine was fear. Yet, the first words of the Advent message were consistently, "Do not be afraid." This wasn't just a polite greeting; it was a declaration that the atmosphere of the world was changing. The Light had arrived, and darkness no longer had the final say.
In regards to the fear that appears in its own unique way in our lives today, 1 John 4:16–18 reminds us of a fundamental truth: God is love. This isn't just a sentiment; it is a spiritual reality that changes our internal landscape. When John says that "perfect love drives out fear," he is describing a displacement. Imagine a room filled with light; the shadows don't just hide, they cease to exist because the light occupies the space they once held. Similarly, Christ’s love is so expansive and secure that it leaves no room for the tendrils of anxiety to take root. His love acts as an anchor for the soul, holding us steady when the winds of uncertainty blow, reminding us that we are held by a hand that has already conquered the world.
This Advent, we are invited to stop hiding. God has gifted His Spirit to be with us, and we can choose to submit our fears to Him. We no longer have to protect ourselves with walls of worry or masks of "being okay." Instead, when we allow His perfect love to take the place of our fear, we find that the hiding places of our hearts can once again become sanctuaries of peace.