December 4, 2012 - The Christmas Announcement

We normally associate the announcement by Gabrielle of the birth of Christ as the Christmas Announcement. But it was so much more and so far reaching. Following the book of Malachi, God remained silent with no communication to mankind for 400 years. FOUR HUNDRED! Then, God chose to break the silence by speaking to Zechariah through the angel - "Do not be afraid, for your prayer has been answered." But Zechariah did not believe and was silenced. God turns to Mary and sends the angel - "Fear not, for you have found favor with God." But Mary's response to the announcement was quite different. She replied, "Be it unto me according to YOUR word." Mary had questions to the "how," but trusted that God was big enough. And finally, with Gabrielle's announcement to the shepherds, God not only speaks to mankind once more but ushers in a new covenant. "Fear not, for I bring you GOOD news of GREAT JOY that will be for all people." Can you stop and smile as you really connect with the phrase "and it will be for Kathy, for Paulette, for Shelly, for Laura????" WOW! Gabrielle said to all people, and that meant He was speaking our names! Double WOW! The shepherds were afraid also, but responded to the announcement and went immediately to find this JOY. For us, Galatians 5:1 declares our freedom from the chains of past addictions, bondage, and wrong thinking. Paul makes this announcement over mankind - "It is for FREEDOM that Christ came to set us free." He didn't say, "fear not," (but I assume he wasn't eight feet tall with wings either) so maybe it was unnecessary? But sometimes we can be fearful about getting through the holidays and doing well. Yes? I am so proud of Shelly as she announced the other day, "I'm loosing weight over the holidays." Now that's a Christmas announcement, too, with no FEAR involved. Don't want until January. I have spoken with more than 10 of you who are "waiting until January." Be careful - four weeks can mean a chunk of weight. Stay on top of your plan of healthy eating and motion. I have missed water aerobics so badly that I went and signed up at the pool yesterday. (and yikes are my muscles reminding me it's been 3 months). This Christmas I want to bring forth this reminder (A Kathy paraphrase) "Fear NOT, for behold I bring you a good message of GREAT HOPE, there is freedom for you which is found in Christ. The Holy Spirit will come and live within you and He shall assist you in making healthy choices and walking in freedom." Then we must respond. We ask for help, we rejoice that we are stronger than obesity, and we declare that we "stand firm, then, and will no longer allow ourselves to be burdened for the 100th time WITH A YOKE OF SLAVERY." (Gal 5:1) Enjoy Christmas, love your family, go to ALL the parties, and take your food. FEAR NOT! PK