"Fear Not"

I attended a presentation this morning in which the speaker talked about an oft-unnoticed aspect about the Christmas story. In the Bible, we read of four different angelic visitations: one to Zacharias, one to Mary, one to Joseph the carpenter, and--most famously--one to shepherds near Bethlehem. Each time the angel says "Fear not." The speaker focused on this reassuring phrase, and I'm grateful for that. I am grateful that this message, that God gives us no reason to fear, is part of the Christmas story. What does the angel say to the shepherds? "Fear not, for behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy." Love replaces fear, and love is at the heart of the Christmas spirit.