<p>Fear tends to grow heavier as we age, but the Christmas story offers a powerful antidote through God's presence. When the angel appeared to Mary, her plans were completely disrupted, yet God's interruptions are often divine invitations into our purpose. Mary's initial confusion was natural, but she learned that divine favor doesn't always feel favorable in the moment. The key to overcoming fear isn't avoiding it, but surrendering to God's will even when we don't understand the complete picture. Mary's response teaches us that fear is defeated not when circumstances change, but when our hearts surrender to God's greater plan.</p>
