Fear Not; I Bring You Good Tidings

The frightful setting.
1. The shepherds were usually early to mid-teen aged boys who were usually uneducated.
2. Suddenly an angel with all the brilliance of heavenly glory burst into the night’s darkness which surrounded the shepherds.
  1. The dazzling splendor of the angel was “the glory of the Lord” which “shone round about them.”
  2. The angels came from the presence of the holy God, reflecting the infinite beauty of all of God’s virtues.
3. This glory now surrounded the shepherds and they trembled “with a mega fear” (9b), i.e., a paralyzing fear.
  1. It was the fear of the unknown, and it was the fear of a blinding brilliance.
  2. It is especially the fear of sinful mortals who are brought face to face with the glorious holiness of the Most High.
The angel’s message is intended to remove their fear and instill “great joy” into their hearts.
1. The “good tidings.”
2. The good tidings of great joy announces “a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (11).
This joy is “to all people.”
1. It is universal.
2. It is personal.
3. Believe. And respond with joy.