Advent Part 2 : Faith

From Fear to Faith: An Advent Reflection

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, a time when we reflect on the coming of Christ and what His arrival means for our lives. This season invites us to move from fear to faith, a journey beautifully illustrated through the stories of Zechariah and Mary in the Gospel of Luke.

Faith in the Face of Fear

In Luke 1:11-14 (ESV), we find Zechariah, a faithful priest, encountering the angel Gabriel:

“And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.’”

Zechariah’s fear was rooted in years of unanswered prayers. He and his wife Elizabeth had long prayed for a child, but their hope seemed lost as they grew older. Despite his years of service to God and knowledge of His faithfulness, Zechariah’s immediate response to the angel’s message was skepticism.

This reaction is relatable. How often do we carry faith for others but doubt that God will come through for us personally? Like Zechariah, we can fall into the routine of faithfulness—attending church, serving, and praying—while losing hope in God’s ability to answer our deepest prayers.

In Luke 1:18-20 (MSG), Zechariah questions Gabriel:

“Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man, and my wife is an old woman.”

Gabriel’s response is both a rebuke and a reminder of God’s sovereignty:

“Because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.”

Unbelief often silences our testimony. Zechariah’s doubt didn’t stop God’s plan but did impact his ability to proclaim the miracle until it was fulfilled.

Faith Through Obedience

In contrast, Mary’s story offers a different response to fear. In Luke 1:30-31 (NLT), Gabriel appears to her with life-altering news:

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”

Mary’s circumstances were extraordinary and overwhelming. A young virgin engaged to be married, she faced the potential loss of reputation, relationships, and security. Yet her response was one of faith.

In Luke 1:34, Mary asks a single question:

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

Unlike Zechariah, Mary didn’t question if God would fulfill His promise—only how it would happen. Her faith wasn’t hindered by fear of public opinion or personal loss but rooted in trust that God could accomplish the impossible. Gabriel’s assurance in Luke 1:37 serves as a reminder to us all:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Moving From Fear to Faith

Both Zechariah and Mary faced moments of fear. Zechariah’s fear stemmed from doubt and disappointment, while Mary’s fear was rooted in the enormity of God’s call. However, their stories teach us that fear doesn’t have to paralyze us. When met with faith, fear becomes a stepping stone to experiencing God’s promises.

Mary’s response in Luke 1:38 is a model for us:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Faith begins where fear surrenders. When we trust God’s plan and purpose, we move from fear to faith, from doubt to belief, and from despair to hope.

Applying Faith in Our Lives

•Acknowledge Your Fears: Be honest with God about your fears and struggles. Whether it’s unanswered prayers, overwhelming challenges, or uncertainty about the future, bring them to Him in prayer.

•Anchor Yourself in God’s Promises: Like Zechariah and Mary, immerse yourself in God’s Word. Let His promises remind you of His faithfulness.

•Choose Faith Over Fear: Fear paralyzes, but faith propels us forward. Trust that God is with you in every situation, equipping you with what you need to face the impossible.

•Celebrate God’s Faithfulness: Look back on how God has worked in your life and others’. These testimonies build faith for the future.

•Surrender Fully to God’s Will: Like Mary, say, “May it be to me as You have said.” Surrender allows God to work in and through you in ways beyond your imagination.

Faith for the Impossible

As we journey through Advent, let’s remember that the message of Christmas is one of faith triumphing over fear. The same God who fulfilled His promises to Zechariah and Mary is at work in your life. Whatever you face today, let the truth of Luke 1:37 resonate in your heart:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Faith moves us beyond fear to experience the fullness of God’s plans and purposes. As we reflect on Christ’s first coming and await His return, let our faith arise. Let it grow. And let it lead us to trust the One for whom all things are possible.