"Do Not Be Afraid". Four words that always precede the angelic visitors of the Bible, and for good reason. They're not the cute things we depict in our stained glass and figurines, they tend to be powerful and horrible and awe inspiring in their appearances. Yet, they tell us, not to fear.
The most famous of these messages comes tonight to a group of shepherds tending to their flocks in the Gospel of Luke, “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.” The shepherds went and they gave glory to Him, the Messiah, and promised King.
Around the world, we go to do the same on this evening. Even amidst the world's darkness: A shooting in a mall in North Carolina this evening, beheadings and war being waged by ISIS, the nearing of a possible Third Intifada in Israel, and the demagoguery of fascism disguised as a Republican Presidential candidate. There are so many bad things in this world, so much that seems frightening...but we are told by the angels, "Do not be afraid", because we have found the one truth. Christ is born. And we know how His story will end: Sin is crushed. Death is defeated. Salvation is freely given.
But for now, let us pause and reflect upon that still soft cry of a baby, piercing the darkness. Christ has come to Bethlehem, and though we're a bit late, we too shall lend our voices in praise.
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