The Christmas story starts actually starts when two individuals are terrified when God speaks to them.
This couple Zachariah & Elizabeth were old (I believe the Bible says they were “advanced in years”). Zachariah is a priest and while he’s working his shift an angel appears to him and he is terrified. The angel tells him that he and his wife are going to have a baby.
Understandably Zachariah doubts the Angel because he and Elizabeth are in fact “advanced in years” he can barely take a step without his leg cramping up. Because of his unbelief he is stricken with silence. He will be unable to speak until Elizabeth has the baby.
We are left in anticipation…
It’s been 6 months since Zachariah has said a word…
Meanwhile the angel visits a distant relative of theirs
A little girl in a small agricultural village called Nazareth…
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26-38
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a calling for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
A 1980’s science fiction film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger tells the story of a cyborg from the future that is sent back in time to eliminate an young waitress, whose destined give birth to a son who will grow up and lead humanity in a movement against the machines.
A soldier who is also sent from the future protects the waitress. He is a messenger sent to deliver her the news that her unborn son is going to be the one to save the world.
When she is told this information she says,
“Are you sure you have the right person?
Do I look like the mother of the future?
I’m not tough or organized? I can’t even balance my checkbook.”
She says, “Look I didn’t ask for this honor and I don’t want it, ANY OF IT!”
She is afraid of her calling.
Eventually she accepts this burden with glorious purpose.
Later her son (from the future) is quoted saying, “Thank you for your courage. Remember the future is not set. You must be stronger than you imagine you can be. You must survive, or I will never exist.”
Gods calling on your life brings fear.
Whether it’s becoming a missionary overseas, starting a nonprofit, or picking up the phone to call an estranged loved one.
We are all born with 2 fears; Falling & Loud Noises.
All other fears are learned, which means they can be unlearned.
It takes Courage to accept God’s calling
Perfect Love casts out all fear.
People who live in fear never have good stories.
We’re called to live a life worthy of good stories.
Are you living a life worth telling stories about?
When we don’t overcome fear to live a story-worthy life, we rob God of the glory that rightfully belongs to him.
May your love for God be stronger than your fear of the unknown.
May you live a life worth telling stories about.
May you accept your part in changing the world.
May you accept God’s calling on your life.