Scripture:
Psalm 37:39-40

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Thoughts:
One of our biggest challenges is overcoming fear. There is a promise of God to conquer each fear of ours. We can have peace because we know the Lord is our present help, and we find that many of the promises of God deal with our need for a deliverer from trouble.

Life has troubles of our own making and that of our enemy’s making, and when in such troubles we need help and protection. God promises to be the help and refuge we need and this is why Christ was sent as a Savior. He saves us from our ultimate fears of death and destruction, while proving to be a comfort.

That is a big part of the Christmas message to us: we have an everlasting comfort to our souls in the gift of Christ.
Consider how God delivered the Christchild from Herod’s madness. Sending angels in dreams, providing gifts from the wise men to support the trip to Egypt and the extended stay, all the while fulfilling certain promises and signs foretold by prophets.

Salvation from our fears, and comfort in times of trouble…. these are the good tidings of Christmas.

What is your biggest fear? Do you know how God answers that with a promise?

What is comfort to you?

Ornament for today is the sword. Have you ever seen those little plastic swords for hors d’oeuvres? Those would be perfect ornaments for today. Just use a thin satin ribbon through the hilt and there you go!

Carol: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
The Coventry Carol