Today, an angel appeared at St Mary's vicarage. As the photograph shows, this evening's display was dominated by an angel standing before a shepherd and two sheep. The light of the angel illuminated the entire scene.
It was an awe-inspiring scene, by any standards. I never cease to be amazed at the way in which the first thing angels say when they speak to men and women in the Bible, is something like: "Don't be afraid..." Who wouldn't be terrified by the sight of an angel appearing without warning and shining in dazzling glory? I often reflect on Zechariah, a humble priest whose job it was to serve in the temple of the Lord. We read about him in Luke 1. One day, as the incense burned and the assembled worshippers prayed outside, Zechariah was attending to his duty when, suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared. Poor Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear. Yet the first thing the angel said was: "Don't be afraid...", then proceeded to announce the imminent birth of John the Baptist, who preceded Jesus Christ himself.
"Don't be afraid" sounds a strange way for an angel to begin a conversation, particularly when the sheer suddenness of the appearance of such radiant light is likely to sweep anyone off their feet.
Yet there is a calmness and dignity about the way the angel speaks. And while the shepherds were probably gripped with terror, the angel speaks to them gently and proclaims "good news of great joy". Suddenly, other angels joined in and sang "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those he favours!". They don't appear to have stayed very long and disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. As they disappeared, you can imagine how the shepherds looked at each other and determined instantly to go into the town to tell of this wonderful event.
Don't be afraid - that is a good and comforting message to many during this Advent season. The angels proclaimed good news of peace, which overcomes fear. There may be lots of reasons to be afraid - and some of us may be experiencing that right now. But the message tonight is that God's perfect love overcomes fear - and that, surely, is the best possible news.
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