Christmas 2025

Pastor Eric Bucci

Fear Is Real. Courage Is Chosen.

1. FEAR IS PART OF THE  EXPERIENCE

Life can feel stable… then boom.
Fear and anxiety are among the most common human struggles.

• Scripture repeatedly says, “Do not fear,” because fear is real.

Key Truth:
God does not ignore fear — He steps into it.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” — Isaiah 41:102.

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2. MARY’S WORLD WAS A WORLD OF 

• Nazareth: small, poor, overlooked.
• Jewish people lived under Roman occupation:

Heavy taxes
No political power
Constant military presence
• Fear was normal — not unusual.

Key Truth:
God speaks hope into fearful environments.

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3. MARY’S ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
(Luke 1:26–38)

Mary’s Response to God’s Call

• She was not curious — she was troubled.
• God did not minimize her fear — He addressed it.

“But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”
— Luke 1:29

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
— Luke 1:30The Cost Mary Understood

• Pregnancy before marriage
• Public shame
• Uncertain future

Her Decision

• Fear was present.
• Courage was chosen.

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
— Luke 1:37–38.

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4. COURAGE OFTEN COMES BEFORE

• Mary said yes before Joseph did.
• Obedience sometimes risks misunderstanding.
• Courage is obedience in the presence of fear.

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5. JOSEPH & THE COST OF

“And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”
— Matthew 1:19

Key Truth:
Faithful obedience may cost reputation, comfort, or control.

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6. COURAGE GROWS IN COMMUNITY

(Luke 1:39–45, 56)

• Mary did not isolate.
• She ran toward someone who believed God.
• Faith grows in environments of encouragement.

“And Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country.”
— Luke 1:39

“And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
— Luke 1:41

“And Mary remained with her about three months.”
— Luke 1:56

Key Truth:
Isolation feeds fear. Godly community builds courage.
What you fear reveals where you trust God least.
Fear is an emotion.

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7. FEAR VS. (CORE TRUTH)

• Fear is an emotion.
• Courage is a decision.
• What we fear most often reveals where we trust God least.

Mary Built Courage By:

• Listening to God’s Word
• Believing God’s promises
• Obeying despite uncertainty
• Staying close to faith-filled people

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8. GOD STEPPED OUR FEAR

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

• No palace.
• No throne.
• A manger.

Key Truth:
Jesus entered the world humbly so He could meet us fully.

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9. SAY YES TO JESUS

• Mary received the Word — and life came through it.
• Salvation is not religion or performance.
• It is receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord.

“Let it be to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38

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NEXT STEPS

• Say yes to Jesus for the first time, or renew your trust in Him.
• Join 14 Days of Prayer — courage grows in God’s presence.
• Participate in One Day to Feed the World — faith moves outward in love.
• Sign up for Jump Start Life to begin the year spiritually strong.
• Surround yourself with faith-filled community.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What fears currently feel overwhelming in your life?
2. Where might God be inviting you to choose courage over comfort?
3. Who are the “Elizabeths” in your life that help strengthen your faith?
4. What would obedience look like for you this week — even if fear remains?
5. How does knowing Jesus stepped into our fear change how you face yours?

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