“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
There are several passages in Luke and in other books that imply that the appearance of an angel might be overwhelming and scary.
In Luke 1 an angel appears to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and he was “startled and was gripped with fear” (Luke 1:12).
Later on in Luke 1, an angel appears to Mary and she “was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be” (Luke 1:29).
But… the “BUT”:
With Mary, “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.”” (Luke 1: 30).
With Zechariah, “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.””
And with the Shepherds, “”But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
God’s sudden presence in our lives can be scary, especially when we haven’t experienced it or aren’t expecting it. We are only human, after all.
BUT… Jesus’s birth, death, resurrection and presence with us through the Holy Spirit assures and comforts us; provides guidance and direction to us, saving us from the consequence of sin and showing us the path to eternal life. Don’t be afraid.
PRAY: “Father God, thank you for your presence in my life and thank you for the plans I know you have for me. As you reveal your will to me, help me to be bold and embrace those plans in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
