"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." Luke 2:8-10
It struck me, after reading this passage, that the shepherds quivered in fear upon seeing the angels in the sky. These shepherds were used to being in dangerous situations. They were the survivalists of the day. The shepherds lived in the fields with their flocks. They braved the elements of nature and weather. They were used to coping with cold, heat, rain, and other elements. The shepherds were not old men, as they are often portrayed in movies, but were young and physically fit.
Not only did the shepherds live in the fields and were forced to brave the elements, these shepherds also had to fight off bears, lions, snakes, and other creatures that would want to eat one of their animals. I am sure that they also had to fight off bandits and rustlers who attempted to steal from the flock. These men were grizzled, fearless, veterans of the outdoors. But yet, when they saw the heavenly beings, they quivered with fear. The fact that these shepherds were scared to death of these heavenly beings, attests to the greatness and glory that these angels brought forth, which of course was given to them by God.
However, the Angels reassured the shepherds that they did not need to be afraid. The angels did not come to bring judgement and fear, but they came to bring the good news of the coming of Christ. Just like the angels, Christ did not come to bring judgement and fear. He came to save His people from their sins. Let us take comfort in the peace that Christ brings.
