Electric Circuit Rider

During Advent, several years ago, I was struck by the number of times the words “fear not” or “do not be afraid” appeared in the readings. Often the words were said by angels.

Apparently that’s what angels have to say when they appear. By all reports they are impressive to the point of being intimidating.

I suspect that I noticed those words because they were precisely the words I needed to hear at the time. I don’t recall what I was afraid of (isn’t that often the case?) but I do know that I needed to remind myself that I don’t need to be afraid - and I suspected other people needed to know it as well.

So, instead of ending my letters with something like “Sincerely yours” or “Yours Truly” or even “Yr. Obdnt. Srvnt” (18th century texting), I began to sign off on letters and emails with “Fear not”.

Not many people mention it, although one person suggested that it may be the best sermon I’ve ever preached - I’ve noted in the past that the ratings of sermons go up as their length goes down - so maybe that person is right.

The reason I write about it now is that these are days when we need to keep telling each other to “fear not”.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word  always brings cheer.”

People who have watched their savings shrink or who fear for their jobs are filled with worry. Be an angel, tell them to “fear not.” It will do both of you good.