God’s coming into this world was a watershed moment in history, changing the course of human events for eternity. The incarnation is miraculous; our response should reflect that miracle, as did the shepherds’ response.
The angel’s sermon that night was simple, profound, and filled with empathy for mankind’s plight. The very beginning – the greeting itself – was spoken to put man at ease, arouse his interest, and suggest a duty. The salutation of Christ’s arrival was “Fear not!” – or as our modern-day translations say, “Do not be afraid.”
It is both the mission and the message of Jesus to deliver mankind from servile, enervating, encumbering fear. The world was, that night just as the world this night, in the thralldom of fear. Mankind fears the echoes of the past, the pace of the present, and the uncertainty of the future. They fear life, they fear death, and they fear eternity. Fear is a result of a broken relationship with God.
“Fear not!” - This, too, is the message of Christmas. Yes, Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of prophecy. Yes, in the incarnation we see the incalculable value of a human soul. Yes, we see the price of sin in the shadow of the cross across the cradle of Christ. But, the fact is that the shepherds believed.
We know those shepherds believed the message of the angels, because they acted! They did as the angels told them, and went into Bethlehem right away to worship the newborn King.
Christ is the answer to fear. Fear not, but go seek Him; that was the message to the shepherds that night. Fear not, but go seek Him; that is the message to our hearts today.
“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10
Dear Heavenly Father, You understand our every need, You have planned for our every need, and in Jesus You have met our every need. Praise Your Holy Name! May our response to Your incarnation bring glory to You this Christmas, in Jesus' name, amen.
For Him!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
The angel’s sermon that night was simple, profound, and filled with empathy for mankind’s plight. The very beginning – the greeting itself – was spoken to put man at ease, arouse his interest, and suggest a duty. The salutation of Christ’s arrival was “Fear not!” – or as our modern-day translations say, “Do not be afraid.”
It is both the mission and the message of Jesus to deliver mankind from servile, enervating, encumbering fear. The world was, that night just as the world this night, in the thralldom of fear. Mankind fears the echoes of the past, the pace of the present, and the uncertainty of the future. They fear life, they fear death, and they fear eternity. Fear is a result of a broken relationship with God.
“Fear not!” - This, too, is the message of Christmas. Yes, Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of prophecy. Yes, in the incarnation we see the incalculable value of a human soul. Yes, we see the price of sin in the shadow of the cross across the cradle of Christ. But, the fact is that the shepherds believed.
We know those shepherds believed the message of the angels, because they acted! They did as the angels told them, and went into Bethlehem right away to worship the newborn King.
Christ is the answer to fear. Fear not, but go seek Him; that was the message to the shepherds that night. Fear not, but go seek Him; that is the message to our hearts today.
“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10
Dear Heavenly Father, You understand our every need, You have planned for our every need, and in Jesus You have met our every need. Praise Your Holy Name! May our response to Your incarnation bring glory to You this Christmas, in Jesus' name, amen.
For Him!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
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