“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’”
— Luke 2: 8-14
By the time I was in high school I truly enjoyed a good storm on the Oregon coast, and would stand on the bluffs above the beach and holler into the wind. But when I was younger that was not the case. When it was stormy I would insist that the radio be loud enough so I could not hear the “whoosh” of the wind nor the “tap, bang” of branches or leaves flying against the house. The unknown sounds frightened me as a young child. I do not know when I became brave, but I learned to enjoy the wonders of God’s creation.
The angel told the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.” When I read this passage from scripture I think, “any sane person would be afraid!”
An angel, glowing in the dark! I’m not even sure what an angel looks like: a glowing creature suddenly coming out of the dark, something not of the world that I am familiar with.
What, not be afraid? What happens next? A whole heavenly host!? What are they? More angels? Or are the stars in the sky singing!?
Oh yes, it would have been most glorious and awe-inspiring, but “do not be afraid?”
I have learned to love the wonders of God’s creation, and I try to remind myself to watch for the miracles that God places before me each day. I can only imagine that these hardy shepherds were made of similar stuff, and that they recognized the miracle before them that night so long ago.
I pray that each of you keeps your heart and eyes open for the miracles this Christmas season.
