But again, the first words of the celestial being are: "Fear not!" While it is natural that man should be afraid when the invisible, the unknown, suddenly becomes visible to him, the angel, know that Christ has been born, comes with the words: "Fear not!" He does not, however, leave it at that, but gives the reason why they need have no fear.

He brings to them the glorious tiding that in Bethlehem, the city of David, on that day, centuries has been fulfilled. For this reason the tidings are joyful to them and to all the people-to all who have looked forward to His coming, to every true member of the people of God. He who has been born is "the Savior," the One who saves from all dangers, need, sin, and death, who safeguards against all disasters and destruction, and who gives blessedness in the fullest sense of the word.

Just as these simple shepherds are the first persons to whom the glad tidings concerning the birth of Christ are communicated, so in turn are the first proclaimers of the Good News. Good news like this compels us today to go tell somebody! -- USK