Fear Not

“Fear not.” Two simple words packing more power than we can comprehend.

This time of year, we remember those shepherds of long ago who were mellowing in the meadows outside of Bethlehem. There are several things in that portion of Luke 2, when the angel says, “fear not,” that will help us with our fears today.

Don’t be Afraid of God’s Messengers

Can you imagine what it must have been like to see an angel surrounded by God’s glory?

The shepherds may have previously heard about angel sightings from their ancestors, but nothing could have prepared them for that awesome moment.

Perhaps they feared the angel’s presence meant judgment or death. However, the first words uttered by the angel were: “fear not.” The message conveyed peace and joy for all people.

In God’s wisdom, only one angel appeared at first. But the news was too great to celebrate with just one!

Before joining the first angel, I wonder if the multitude of other angels were pressing their ears at the door of the heavenly realm? Were they eagerly waiting for God’s signal before they burst forth in jubilation?

Today, God still sends messengers. We shouldn’t be afraid to listen to them even if they look different than us or if their enthusiasm is greater than ours.  

Don’t be Afraid of the Message

After hearing such glorious news, the shepherds immediately felt compelled to go search for the Christ child themselves.

I wonder if they drew lots to see who had to stay back in the fields to watch the sheep? Perhaps they all had an opportunity to go. But if not, surely, promises were made to share every detail with them once the others returned.

Today, when we receive a message from those who claim to know Jesus, we search the Bible and make sure the message we hear does not contradict God’s Holy Word. Then, we can pass the message along to others.

Don’t be Afraid to Share the Message

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all those who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them . . .  [then] the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”  

Luke 2:17-18,20 (ESV)

The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened to all those who “wondered at what the shepherds told them.” We don’t know if they believed the shepherds or not.  Were the shepherds laughed at or rebuked for telling about the miracles they had witnessed that night?

In the years to follow, I wonder how many of the shepherds’ descendants continued to share the good news. Did anyone utter, “Who am I to tell this?” or “Will I suffer persecution if I speak about  it?”

Too often, we think we have nothing special to say. Our stories may not equal the night of Jesus’ birth.  But our experience with Jesus Christ is just as amazing to us as it was for those shepherds of long ago.

I pray God reminds us of the joy and peace He offers to all people. And when He provides opportunities for us to tell about our personal experience with Christ, I pray the Holy Spirit within gives us an encouraging shout,

“Fear not!”