Joni
Day 10: Do Not Be Afraid

They all came because
they all were invited,
even though their invitation began with
"DO NOT BE AFRAID".
Now would you R.S.V.P. "yes" to a party invitation
that began with the words~
"DO NOT BE AFRAID"?
Hmm.
I would immediately be afraid.
But then one by one they took a moment to hear the rest of the invitation.
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with GOD.
Listen carefully: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a SON, and you shall name HIM JESUS" (Luke 1:30-31).
But then one by one they took a moment to hear the rest of the invitation~
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy SPIRIT. She will give birth to a SON, and you are to give HIM the name JESUS, because HE will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20-21). But then one by one they took a moment to hear the rest of the invitation.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night... 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.