"Do not be afraid"

This morning, I was thinking about the shepherds whom the angel appeared to on the night of Christ's birth.  How they were in the field with their sheep, going through their usual routine, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And as Linus recites the words from Luke 2 "And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them.  And the glory of the Lord shone round about them.  And they were sore afraid."  And in simpler terms, as Cora recites from the NIV, the angel said to them "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.  It is for ALL the people.  (Even you, you poor little shepherds.  You who have so little, who work hard and go home to a family that you can barely afford to care for.  You who owe the government taxes that you don't have the money to pay and you'll have to give some of your flock for or perhaps even give your children for until you pay off your debt... I bring YOU, shepherds, GOOD news of GREAT JOY.  Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.  A SAVIOR, do you hear me?  He is CHRIST THE LORD.  He's the one you've waited for, you've anticipated his coming with every fiber of your being.  The one the prophets have talked about for centuries----the one God promised to send.. He's here!!! Finally, here! He's just a baby, but He's a king and He's come for you, to save you. 

My brother wrote a poem about that night, the first Christmas.  Click on his link at the side of our page.  It is well worth the read this Christmas.  

And in the words of my friend William (our pastor's four year old) Merry Christmas to all, and one for sleeping!