Children’s Sermon

Luke 1:26-38

Fear of the Unknown

This is a part of the Christmas story: An angel, named Gabriel, visited Mary and said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you” (1:28). It seems Mary was shocked and frightened and we probably would be frightened too if we were visited by an angel.

When we don’t understand what is happening we may become afraid. Have you ever been in a situation in which you didn’t know what to expect and it made you feel upset?

Maybe, on your first day at school, you felt excited by all the new activities and the new people you would meet, but also a bit frightened. It helps when someone, a parent or a teacher, explains what will happen and what you can expect. As you become familiar with your new situation you begin to feel more comfortable.

The angel continued to talk with Mary and said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (1:30). The angel told her that she would have a son and, “… will call his name ‘Jesus’”(1:31). “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High” (1:32).

An important part of this Christmas story is that, although Mary was frightened, she trusted God. She called herself “the handmaid of the Lord” and said, “Be it to me according to your word” (1:38).

When we feel confused and frightened perhaps it would help to remember what the angel, Gabriel, said to Mary, “The Lord is with you.”(1:28).

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible