Usually when I get around to writing a column about the Christmas season it’s late in the game. Too often there’s a lament that in the rush of everyday life the season had mostly passed me – and maybe us – by.

This year the Thanksgiving leftovers may still be lingering, but we’re also late in the calendar. We have one less week this year in the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare ourselves. Let’s not waste a day of it.

Too many of us view Christmas as a time for kids. That’s not to say many cherished memories aren’t made and family traditions cemented in this holiday season. There is magic in a child’s wonderment. There is joy in giving the gifts that excite those who have dutifully complied with Santa’s behavioral requirements. Or, at least, mostly complied. Somewhat.

While there is a baby in a manger at the center of the Christmas story, the message is squarely one aimed at adults. While those of us in the Christian faith ensure the kids are part of and learn the Christmas story via pageants and live nativity scenes, there is depth to the message beyond what they can yet comprehend.

Too many of us miss the season in our rush. Those of us too busy, too worried about our daily responsibilities, and too concerned about the state of the world at home and abroad need to pause and reflect on the story and the inherent message squarely meant for us.

A young engaged couple had to travel under the decree of a sinister leader in order to be counted and taxed. They were not yet married but were expecting a child – making them social outcasts in their day and time. They couldn’t get suitable travel accommodations and ended up bunking with livestock, where a child was born surrounded by the noises and smells of animals.

Despite the situation putting them at the lowest of low rungs on society’s strata of importance, the same king who they put themselves at great inconvenience to obey and pay taxes to decided their child needed to be killed. He didn’t yet know exactly which child it was, so he ordered all newborn males of their town killed.

This was the power of the state at the time. Orders of a ruler weren’t questioned. There was no organized resistance. You either complied or were severely punished, up to and including death.

At the origin of this story are separate but similar messages to both surprised and frightened
parents: Do not be afraid.

A carpenter and a young virgin girl were told they were to bear a son that would change the world as we know it. Over 2,000 years later we’re still on this earth celebrating it. But to get here now, they first then had to face a world that wouldn’t understand how a couple who appeared to have brought shame on themselves and their families were given a gift that was to be shared with all of humanity.

There would be no Christmas story if either Mary or Joseph had capitulated to very real fear of very real consequences. Instead they chose to fear not, or be not afraid.

In our Christmas carols we sing of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. In our modern world we have wars ongoing in Europe and the Middle East. We have a country that remains quite divided over domestic political lines. Internationally we still have despots who think nothing of aggression toward other countries and even their own people.

While statistics show our economy to be strong, too many find it difficult to afford their rent or their groceries. Technological changes are increasing at an increasing rate, putting many entire professions at risk for obsolescence. We constantly battle screens for the attention of those around us.

There’s a lot to be fearful of, whether we have social standing, or are a young person or couple just starting out as an adult in this world. So much seems to be at risk.

And yet, the Christmas story begins with a simple message. Fear Not.

If we can look beyond the immediate fears of the challenges we have before us, there are much greater gifts in store as the fear is conquered. We are not condemned to the limitations of our present; Our present is the future where peace triumphs over fear.

Take a moment early in this season to re-read the Christmas story. Make sure you pay close attention to the beginning. “Be Not Afraid” must be understood and accepted before skipping ahead to peace on earth and silent nights. May you and yours have a joyous Christmas and holiday season this year.