The “Fear Not” of the Gospel

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’” (Luke 2:10)

This is the “fear not” of the Gospel.  The angel did not appear to men in high office or wealthy dignitaries. No, the angel appeared to lowly shepherds pulling the night shift. I can imagine that most of us would be frightened if we were out on a hillside watching sheep when an angel appeared. This angel was a messenger from God bringing good news.

Perhaps you have been looking and longing for some good news. You seldom find it in the newspapers or in the television and radio reports. You may have been told that you have a fast-growing cancer.  Perhaps someone you love has been killed in an accident. You need some good news.

The “good tidings” in our text is the gospel, the good news that Christ, the Son of God, has come into the world to save sinners. It is good news for all people. It is for the alcoholic, the drug addict, the prostitute, the lonely and the bereaved. It is for the discouraged, the “nobody’s” of the world as well as the elites of the world. It is good news. It is good news that lasts into eternity for all who will accept the Son of God by faith. Fear not.