It happened without warning in the middle of the night. God’s angel appeared to the shepherds as they watched their flock. If that wasn’t terrifying enough, divine glory blazed around them. This was not normal light and the men were clearly petrified. Immediately the angel reassured them with the words, ‘Fear not!’
The angel went on to announce the good news of great joy: Christ the Messiah was born at Bethlehem. Throughout Scripture the phrase ‘Fear not’ is continually used. One commentator said that it’s recorded 365 times, as though God is giving us this message every single day of the year.
Fear, of course, is an indispensable element in our lives, essential for survival. Only fools are not afraid. In the book Moby Dick, set in the old days of whale fishing, the chief mate said that he wanted no man in his boat who was not afraid of a whale. He knew that fear can focus the mind and be a powerfully creative force.
We have many examples of this. Schools spring from fear of ignorance; industry from fear of poverty; medicine from fear of disease.
