When is it Good to be Terrified?

​As far as I know, I have never been visited by an angel, but I do know people who have. In those instances, they did not realize it was an angel until after the fact. Some have shared stories of being rescued from immediate danger where intervention was obvious, yet the hands that protected remained invisible. I imagine there are probably far more instances of God’s protection than we realize. ​

Meditation
Luke 2:9-11--Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”
 
The glory of an angel’s presence terrified a group of shepherds. When an angelic being suddenly appears in glory, I would think terror would be a natural response. After all, heavenly visitations are not everyday occurrences. But their terror was tempered by incredible information that should be examined.
1. God’s angel brought good news, news that still ripples throughout the planet over 2000 years later. Can you think of any other message in the history of mankind that continues to be broadcast such that lives are forever changed? It was a joyful message announcing the birth of a Savior, a once-in-an-eternity Messiah born for those shepherds and now for us.
2. The shepherds investigated the angel’s announcement, found it to be true, and then spread the news (2:15-17). When we celebrate Christmas, we should remember that it is not just a holiday to commemorate, but a celebration to be shared. Spread the news—Jesus came to earth as a baby and left it as our Messiah. No person on earth should be deprived of this story.  So spread the news!  
3. The impact of good news upon the shepherds resulted in their glorifying and praising God (2:20). There is an incredible power found in worship. Worship changes our outlook, affects our environment, impacts those within the bursting radius, and pleases our heavenly Father. 
            
​When is it good to be terrified? Something to think about . . . in reveration.
 
Inspiration
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”—Hamilton Wright Mabie
 
©2025 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)