Over and over again throughout the Biblical narrative God speaks directly or through angels, prophets, visions, or dreams to say “Do not be afraid.”
Here in the Nativity story Joseph is visited with those words. “Do not be afraid.” A reassurance in the midst of confusion, indecision, trepidation, anxiety, and yes, even fear. “Do not be afraid . . . because . . .is from the Holy Spirit.”
Whenever the Holy Spirit is involved the outcome will be a good one. Whatever the Holy Spirit is a part of will turn out to be of the will of God. We can depend on the result.
Anytime we are willingly cooperating with the Holy Spirit we can be assured that any fear we might have will end in rejoicing. We have multiple opportunities to allow the Holy Spirit to conceive newness in us. Let us not be afraid to say yes to the Holy Spirit.
Ann Glover O'Dell 