“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18
For nearly every angelic appearance in the Bible, the angel’s first words are, “Do not be afraid.” God is holy, and people are sinful, so angels must calm fears before they can communicate anything, before they can tell broken people of the plans of an all-powerful God.

While the angel announcing Jesus’ birth also first quelled the shepherds’ fears saying, “Do not be afraid,” things were different this time. Every angelic appearance before was to make a promise or to announce what God was going to do in the near future. But all of those promises and acts point to the arrival of Jesus. This angel does not make a promise or a prediction. He has come to proclaim, “It is time! The moment humans and angels have waited for has arrived!”

Jesus has come to deal with the root problem: putting an end to the sin that separates us from God. God’s glory is not diminished in His advent. Rather, it becomes personal. It is a loving invitation to participate in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. Won’t you join Him? Don’t be afraid!



Scripture Focus

Luke 2:8-14

Insight

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. …Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Bible In A Year

  • Daniel 3-4
  • Proverbs 6
  • Hebrews 7-8

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