There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

We are given a choice for the lens in which we view our world. Love. or Fear.

Fear tells us stories of scarcity. It shows us, time and again, how there is never enough. Never enough time, never enough energy, never enough money or love or patience or opportunity. It nudges our shoulders to curl over ourselves, inches out our elbows to push away others who crowd too close. It reminds us of what we are not, what we lack, how we do not measure up.

Love’s story is of abundance. Perhaps not material abundance, but an abundance of relationship. It spins dreams of stews, stretched out to make room for a few new guests at the table. Of daily bread, exactly enough for what is needed, given from unexpected areas. Of pushing onesself to meet a goal, and of the sweet rest that is given when we allow ourselves to stop and believe the world will keep cranking without our shrill manic efforts.

In the Nativity, we see both of these viewpoints in play. Love chooses relationship, believes that inconvenience and judgement are able to be overcome. Love makes a cradle out of hay, and marvels at the sweet smell instead of mourning the lack of the coordinated nursery décor. Love allows strangers to come witness a private moment, it opens the door to the unexpected and the unplanned.

Fear worries about a threat to its power. It chases rumors and is always striving to stay in its place of honor. It plots and plans and lies and manipulates. It orders others around, and craves to hear only what is reassuring. It orders the harm of innocents.

It seems so obvious, the lens of love is the better way to live. And yet, fear’s urgent whispers feel so compelling. The narrative of scarcity feels valid. Who doesn’t worry that there isn’t enough to go around? Enough time, enough money, enough patience or enough reserves? This year especially, don’t we feel that our wells are running dry? The voice of fear mostly feels like the voice of reality.

So how to do we choose to inhabit love? How do we unclench our fists and allow Peace, Hope, and Joy to enter our fortressed souls?

I think the key is forcing ourselves to stop. For a moment, an hour, or even a day. Put down the lists and shoulds and musts and just allow yourself to rest. And see that the world keeps on spinning. Our children will survive, even thrive without us pushing them from behind. The dishes will be cleaned, eventually, the presents get wrapped.

And allowing ourselves to rest in the MIDST of our busy-ness, realizing that the moment when everything is done will never happen, reminds of the One who is in charge. Hint- they don’t have your name.