Bermuda sparkles at this time of the year — with window displays, Christmas lights, crystal skies and the exuberance of children’s choirs and carol singing. It is an exciting time of year for many.

But in a week where we have experienced the sixth gun fatality and countless road accidents, in a world of Bondi Beach and the rise of anti-Semitism, the horrors of those living in Gaza, the relentless pursuit of war over Ukraine, in a polarised world with increasingly hostility on hot topic issues, in a world where many fear the effect of climate change and the unsettling effects of AI, a world of increased mental anguish experienced by young and old — the celebratory nature of Christmas feels hollow and escapist to many.

However, it was ever thus. Imagine a teenage girl finding herself pregnant out of wedlock in a country where such a thing could result in mandated stoning, living in a divided country overrun by Roman oppressors and moralistic religious thought police where her fiancé is planning to give her up.

She would have been filled with anxiety and yet she was charged by an angel: “Do not be afraid”. Fear reigned in her heart just as it does for many in our day — the fear of forces beyond our control, the fear of others, rational and irrational phobias that lead to anxiety, acting out, substance abuse and mental stress. That is the world into which the first Christmas came with the birth of the baby carried by that young girl, Mary. “Do not be afraid” — how is that even possible?

In the face of an impossible and dangerous task that she was asked to undertake in bearing God’s son, Mary found it possible to be at peace, and she magnifies the Lord in praise.

When my own children were younger, they would feel an instant sense of calm when we, their parents, were present. In our absence, a transitional object might do for a time, unless it was lost … then the fear would return. Mary was an extraordinary woman of faith who believed that she was not alone, that the God who visited her through an angel would see her through this ordeal — her heavenly Father would be with her. Her fiancé, Joseph, also experienced peace, which transplanted his fear. He was told that the child Mary was to bear would be called Jesus, meaning God saves, and Immanuel, meaning God is with us.

Fear can be transformed when shared with someone trustworthy, who has got your back and who has the power to bring relief. Christmas is primarily about that trustworthy stronger one entering the fragility and brokenness of our world — but doing so as one of us, a baby who grew to become the man Jesus. He lived in our world for 30-plus years, the last three of which were spent with his disciples. His presence gave them courage — and after his departure through his inner spirit present in their lives, gave them continuing hope and courage in the pain, mess and danger they would go on to experience, transforming situations and people, flooding lives with love and peace that surpassed their human fears and understandings.

As those angels met with shepherds to announce Jesus’s birth, the message was the same — a message that echoes in our hearts with longing: “Do not be afraid, we bring a message of good tidings of great joy for all people … for unto you is born this day, a saviour who is Christ the Lord.”

Whatever you are facing, know that this Lord is present still. Emmanuel is still here by his spirit, that where meek souls will receive him still, as the carol says, “the dear Lord enters in”. And when he enters in, so he brings his blessings of peace, his promises and his presence enable, comfort, restore and bring hope — which is my prayer for you all this Christmas and beyond.

• The Right Reverend Nicholas Dill is the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda