Do Not Be Afraid

Across miles of sea, on a distant shore People flee, buildings burn, as missiles soar Hate spews, with evil we cannot ignore Lives injured and lost, in the cost of war Our planet is painted with moral stain Sketching graffiti on our hearts and brain Harnessing our souls with a heavy strain Filled with guilt and grief due to sins domain Economic pain is spread across the globe Seeking solutions, for answers we probe Studying and guessing, we cast a strobe Hoping we can maintain, food, house, and robe. In a world like ours we have much to fear Hardships and heartaches bring many a tear Sickness, hunger, death, and sadness severe Alone and betrayed, we have lost all cheer Yet I recall Mary, for whom plans had been made An angel brought her news that much dismayed “On you God’s favor is being displayed You will birth God’s son, do not be afraid” But how pray tell, could she not be afraid Without a man, a child was being made When Joseph hears there will be a tirade The village folks will be quick to degrade But Mary received the word as from God She was the Lord’s choice, though it did seem odd By faith proceeded, without a facade The Lord’s servant, dutifully she trod Joseph, looked forward to his life’s parade With Mary he would proudly promenade But horrible news to him was conveyed Mary was pregnant, he had been betrayed Disappointed, he believed she had strayed His mind was confused, his emotions frayed “Call off the marriage” his heart would dissuade He could not continue with this charade Then in a dream an angel came to persuade “Make Mary your wife, do not be afraid” It is the Spirit’s work, God has okayed So, Jospeh woke from his dream and obeyed Thus, Mary and Joseph, starting with strife Bore the false speculation that ran rife They resolved to follow God as man and wife In faith they parented Jesus in life So, when the worlds troubles we have surveyed While the Devil’s temptations serenade When sad voices discourage and downgrade We can trust in God and be not afraid