The angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. (LK 2:10-11)
I often wonder and am really surprised how often God, an angel, prophet or Jesus approaches someone in the Bible and begins the conversation by saying, “do not be afraid.” Why be afraid of God when he loves us so much and wants to help us so much? When the Angel Gabriel first appeared to Zechariah in the Temple, and to Mary in her home, and to Joseph in a dream, and to the Shepherds in the field, he greeted them by saying, “do not be afraid.” There are many other scenes in the New Testament with similar greetings. For example, when Jesus calls the disciples he says to Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Or when the disciples were caught in a storm and Jesus came to them walking on the water and said, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” There is also the beautiful scene of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. As God spoke to the disciples, they hid. Then Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Or how about the time when Jesus heard that Jairus’ daughter died. He said to him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved.” Or the women who were heading to the tomb on Easter morning to bring spices for the body of Jesus but were surprised by an angel that said them, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.” And finally, in the Book of Revelation, when John experienced Jesus in a vision, Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.” Jesus reminds us, we have nothing to be afraid of any more. God loves us and sent his Son Jesus to save us – not to condemn us. So do not be afraid, but rather be loved.