December 14, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of Luke, the second chapter, verse 10: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” (NRSV)
There must be something about the sudden presence of an angel that elicits a response of fear. Many of the incidents in the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus begin with the angel having to tell the person they appear to: “do not be afraid.” Are angels frightening in appearance? Does their "showing up" happen in a way that startles the person? Is it the message they are bringing? Could it be some of all of these?
In our first home together, the washer/dryer was on the first floor, around the corner from the dining room. It was in a rather small space, away from “traffic,” and the noise of the machines kept me from hearing someone coming. Many times my hubby would come behind me, say something, and scare me half to death. It was not that he is a scary man, but not expecting him almost always brought a fear-filled reaction.
Perhaps angels appearing were more common in that day, but not to the people we hear about. A young peasant woman, a man ready for marriage, a group of shepherds tending their flock in the middle of the night may have been unlikely candidates to hear from God’s messenger. Yet, they receive them. Mostly willingly. And not only do they receive the angels, but also their messages. Then they share them, so that we may know. For that, I say thanks be to God!
Blessings. And prayers.
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