Ask everyone what makes them afraid. Was anyone afraid in the Christmas story? Make a list of people who might have been afraid and what made them fearful.
Fear
Read: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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: 9-10
Ask: Why were the shepherds afraid? Why did the angels tell them not to be afraid? What was the good news? Do you think that being afraid ever keeps you from hearing good news?
Pray: Lord, when we are afraid help us to trust you. Help us to remember that you love us and you have said that perfect love casts out fear. Help us not to miss you working around us because we are afraid.
Other things to do:
*Paint rocks (small box or other small object) and put the words “Fear not” on it. Place it somewhere as a reminder such as beside the bed if a child is scared at night.
*Act out the angel coming to the shepherds. Take turns being the angel. Be overly dramatic with “Do not be afraid.”
*Pray specifically for each person’s fears. In the next few weeks, continue to pray for one another to “do not be afraid” but to remember that God loves them and is there.
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