This article is part of a series called “12 Days of Christmas: A daily study guide to bring the Savior into the season.” See the full list of days in the study guide and learn more about how it’s formatted here.
In Luke 1–2 and Matthew 1, we read four stories of people who see an angel. Let’s start by taking a brief look at these stories and see what they have in common.
Zacharias (Luke 1:13)
First, there is Zacharias—a priest, who, along with his wife, Elisabeth, was “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (verse 5).
Elisabeth wasn’t able to have children, and it seemed that it was too late for her to do so as both she and Zacharias were “now well stricken in years” (verse 7). And yet one day, while Zacharias was executing his priestly duties burning incense in the temple, an angel named Gabriel appeared to him. Understandably, Zacharias was troubled, and “fear fell upon him” (verse 12). Gabriel then said:
“Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (verse 13).
Mary (Luke 1:30)
Just sixth months into Elisabeth’s pregnancy (verse 24), Gabriel delivered a similar message to Mary, who lived in Nazareth. He called her “highly favoured” and “blessed … among women,” but Mary was troubled at his saying. Gabriel then said:
“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God” (verse 30).
Joseph (Matthew 1:20)
When Mary was with child, Joseph did not want to make her a public example and “was minded to put her away privily” (verse 19). But “while he thought on these things” an angel appeared unto him in a dream (verse 20). He said:
“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (verse 20).
The Shepherds (Luke 2:10)
The shepherds were watching over their flock by night and were sore afraid when an angel appeared to them. The angel said:
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (verse 30).
What can we learn from these verses?
- God knows us by name: When Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, visited Zacharias, he called him and Elisabeth by name. He also addressed Mary by name when he visited her. When an angel appeared unto Joseph, he called him by name as well. From this, we can be assured that God is mindful of us and knows each of us by name (Luke 1:13, 30; Matthew 1:20).
- God hears and answers our prayers: When Gabriel visited Zacharias, he told him his prayer was heard (Luke 1:13). However, Zacharias and Elisabeth, now stricken in age, had likely been praying a long time for a child—perhaps even decades. Maybe at times they wondered if God was listening to them. And yet their prayer was eventually answered. Their story can remind us that though it may seem at times like our prayers go unheard, God is listening to us and He will answer us in His time.
- We don’t have to fear. Zacharias, Mary, Elisabeth, and the shepherds all faced different types of fear in their situations. But God comforted them in their fear. While He didn’t take away the responsibilities they had to bear, the angel quickly gave them a message of reassurance. Similarly, when we are afraid of a new challenge, feel inadequate, or are facing the unknown, we can seek comfort from the Spirit and “fear not.”
Quote: “There is much fear in the world today—of getting married, having children, making commitments, standing for the right, confronting peer pressure. There are fears of economic conditions and natural disasters. But the Lord’s counsel for us today is similar to that given to Mary and Joseph: ‘Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you’” [Doctrine and Covenants 68:6; emphasis added] (Elder Tad R. Callister, “Fear Not”).
Ponder: What does “fear not” mean to me in my life?
Read: “Fear Not,” by Elder Tad R. Callister
Watch: “Inspiring Short: Fear Not: Good Tidings of Great Joy,” Lloyd D. Newell
