“DON’T BE AFRAID”
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:9-11 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
What do you think of when you think of angels? What physical picture comes to mind? For some angels are chubby little guys with wings wearing a diaper. But this image of an angel is not the type of angel that greeted the shepherds watching their sheep on that first Christmas. The angel of the Bible must have been physically overwhelming for a group of shepherds to be terrified. I believe he was not only physically impressive but there was a sense of the presence of God with him. Luke says, “the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.” Something dynamic happens when the supernatural glory of God intersects with humanity. Our humanity cannot fully comprehend God’s glory—even a small glimpse of that glory. His glory immediately highlights our imperfection and sinfulness. That is why when angels show up in the Christmas story their first words are usually, “Don’t be afraid!” We don’t have to fear the presence of God. God’s presence comes to bring cleansing, freedom, and direction. The angel is present to announce the birth of a Savior. A Savior Who will take away our sins and give us freedom to enter the presence of God without fear. Through confession and repentance we can be clean before God and enter the presence of God without fear. Jesus came to die on a cross to pay the price for our sins. We don’t have a price to pay—it has been paid.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus that You have some to pay the price for my sins. Thank You for bringing forgiveness and freedom. I declare that You are my Lord and Savior.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”