Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people."
Luke 2:10
Recommended Reading
Luke 1:28, 44-45
The announcement of the birth of Jesus to the Bethlehem shepherds is a small picture of how life often works. The shepherds were involved in life as usual: tending their sheep in the fields. Suddenly, something unexpected happened and their first response was fear: The first thing the angel of the Lord said to them was, "Do not be afraid." They must have been cowering, covering their faces, at the sight of the glorious angel from heaven (Luke 2:10). Then their fear was replaced by joy based on God's words. Instead of fear, the angel offered the shepherds "good tidings of great joy" about the birth of "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Isn't that the way life happens to us? Things are normal until something unexpected happens and our response is fear. But the joy that replaced the shepherds' fear can do the same for us. Christmas is the time to remember that fear is banished by joyful faith in "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Don't let an unexpected event create fear in your heart. Stay focused on Jesus whose birth you are celebrating. Let "tidings of great joy" fill your heart with faith.
