You no longer need to be afraid
There was a celebration in the heavenly realm when Jesus was born on Earth.
Don’t be afraid. This seems to be a common theme in the Christmas story.
The birth of Jesus was good news although many didn’t understand that at the time.
In no particular order, there’s Mary.
Luke ch 1 vs 30: Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favour with God.
She was told by the angel Gabriel what her part in the miraculous birth of Jesus would be.
After a short discussion, she accepts it and says ‘let it be done according to your word’.
Her husband-to-be, Joseph is startled, too. More than just a bit. Gabriel certainly has his work cut out for him.
Joseph, described as being a righteous man, wanted to divorce Mary secretly, so as not to publicly disgrace her.
In the gospel according to Matthew, it describes how the angel of the Lord appeared to him, saying: “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from all their sins.”
Luke writes about how the shepherds, who feature after Jesus was born, were more than a bit scared.
They were out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
The 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 Saviour 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.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
So, the birth of Christ was good news, with Jesus sent to save mankind from its sin and reestablish a right relationship with Him.
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