Anything abnormal or unexpected will cause a reaction.  News of a wedding or examination success brings joy and smiles, news of a death or failure prompts tears.  The essence of a joke is that the ending is unexpected, and the twist in thinking should launch laughter.  The more an event or announcement is unexpected - the greater the response.  Fear is a whole-body, physiological reaction to a personal threat for which a resolution cannot be immediately seen; and terror is uncontrolled fear.

These verses say that the shepherds were terrified that night.  Their usual routine was shattered by a unique angelic appearance to the group of men, accompanied by a bright light which they described as the 'glory of the Lord'.  But why should the Lord's presence be so greatly disturbing?  In the Old Testament, God told Moses that it would be fatal to see His face (Exodus 33:20); Gideon was petrified by an encounter with God's messenger (Judges 6:22-23).  The clue to all their fear is seen in Isaiah's response to God's presence - he recognised his sinfulness in the face of God's all-consuming holiness (Isaiah 6:5).  The truth is simple - impure human beings cannot survive in the presence of God's purity (Malachi 3:2).

But that was why Jesus came. His appointment on earth was to 'become sin for us' (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Because Jesus accepted the Father's wrath against our sin, on the cross, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1).  So, the angel's message firstly calmed the shepherd’s fear, displacing terror by announcing the joyful news of peace through Jesus.  That is still the effect of the gospel on those who believe.  But if you have no confidence that God will accept, protect, guide and provide for you, then fear is the only option to the unexpected or matters outside your control.  Without Him there is no secure solution to anything, in this world or at the judgement.

However, God's desire is that people will receive His good news, and be delivered from their fears (Psalm 34:4; Hebrews 2:14-15).  The solution to fear is the Jesus of Bethlehem and Calvary.  He not only came to take away sin, but also to remove the fear which surrounds the sinful.  Click onto www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more.  And if you already know the Lord's peace and joy - you really do need to tell others, so that they may also receive peace with God.