“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!” (Luke 1:30)
It is striking in the advent story that the repeated, jolting, sudden angelic appearances, laden with world-changing news, go hand-in-hand with the following headline: Don’t be afraid! At least four of the main characters in the story heard the same thing:
Mary heard it after Gabriel’s initial greetings. (Luke 1:30)
Joseph heard it in his dreaming, as the angel made it clear to him that Mary’s pregnancy was supernatural. (Matt. 1:20)
The shepherds heard it, as they were terrified by the light, sound, and action suddenly taking place around them in their field. (Luke 2:10)
Zechariah heard it as he shook from fright at the sight of Gabriel “standing to the right of the incense altar.” (Luke 1:11).
That would certainly be the common human response, wouldn’t it, for any and every one of these landmark moments? They were humans, after all. Nice to know they were common folk, who had the same responses and emotions that we would all feel.
Even nicer to know that God knows that, and that he instructed his messengers to tell them not to fear. “This is going to be a bit scary! But don’t let fear overcome you. God knows you and has a message for you. He’s in charge here. Let me instruct you…” Immediate fright was normal; but succumbing to it was not going to be helpful. He got their attention, and before delivering the meat of the message, he wanted them to be at ease, or at least as much as they could be.
Contrast that consistent word heard by these four main characters with the absence of that same word to the leading political figure of the story, King Herod. He prominently appears, but he is not visited by angels, and is not given that reassurance. Actually, he has much to fear, and his fears lead him to extreme and inappropriate actions. He’s in no position to hear God’s voice, and receive in humility any message which could be forthcoming.
Let’s not be afraid to welcome the news of our Lord, as he unfolds his story to us. He is ready to calm us and put us in position to hear and to obey.
“Father, thank you for the clear and consistent word you delivered to your people in the Christmas story: Don’t Be Afraid. For those reading this today, who need this reminder and reassurance, please share it with them.”
Freddy Boswell 