12.04.16 – ADVENT PART 2 – WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?

Luke 2:8-20

Shepherds were up and awake, taking care of their livelihood.  In many ways we are still kept awake by the same things that stirred them – money, our business, the future and potential for problems.  All of these things are good to steward well in our life as God has given us responsibility to look after them well.  However, they should never become the biggest things in our life.  These things will never provide the peace or security that we hope for.

‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’  Luke 2:10

The first thing that the angels said to them was ‘do not be afraid’.  They spoke directly to their immediate fear and also to their deeper fear for potential future problems.  Fear is rooted in worry, and we only worry when we forget to remind ourselves of who God is and what he has done for us.  Rather than trying to find something that will give us great joy we can look at the incredible Gospel – what God has done for us through Christ, his son.  Whilst there can often be the illusion of peace from these things – when we have enough money, our work is going well and there are no imminent problems, these are only ever a temporary thing.  Unlike with God, these things can be taken away or change in an instant.

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