Advent 2022 #3—Fear Not!

The glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. … So they hurried to find Mary, Joseph and the baby.” Luke 2:9–16

Let’s not kid ourselves. Having a quiet evening around the campfire interrupted by a bright light and a multitude of chanting angels would be unnerving. Not just unnerving, terrifying! When God manifests his holiness as a glorious light, it does not just light up the night sky, it illuminates the deep recesses of our sinful hearts. Isaiah’s response to his vision of  the Seraphim praising God’s glory was, “Woe is me, for I am unfit to praise the King of the Universe because of my sin!” No doubt the shepherds also felt the danger to their souls. But with Jesus’ arrival, God’s glory illuminated something new: good news for sinners. Therefore the angel exclaims, “Fear not!”

“Fear not!” rings out across the countryside;
“Fear not!” rings out to comfort startled eyes;
For glory left them stunned and mystified,
Confused by God’s celestial surprise.
Resplendent in the darkness, glory shines,
But sinful hearts recoil, amazed, afraid,
Not knowing what to make of God’s designs;
By all their vain and empty boasts betrayed.
“Replace your fear with hopeful joy,” he said,
“For glory points to grace, not vengeful wrath;
Salvation from your darkness lies ahead,
And glory’s stream reveals the godly path.”
So, as of old, we now with one accord
Must go to seek the Savior, Christ the Lord.