A SPECIAL APPEARANCE

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read Luke 1:11-12

TEXT: "There appeared to him an angel...Zechariah was troubled when he saw him." (Luke 1:11-12)


Did your family have a Nativity scene in the front yard? Was it set up under your tree or placed on a table? I remember staring at the angel and imagining what it would be like to see one of these beautiful creatures face to face?

As Mary continues her recollections of the first Christmas, Zechariah the priest is in the temple. He's laying the incense on the altar. Suddenly through the clouds of smoke, an angel of the Lord appears. But it isn't the wonderful, thrilling scene I imagined so long ago-not at all. Zechariah is struck with terror, shaken to the core.

Zechariah wasn't alone. That first Christmas an angel would appear to Mary and the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock by night. And they all would have the same reaction; they were instantly filled with fear and terror. You and I would be too.

No matter how good a person you are, coming face to face with the holiness of an angel shows you your failings, and fills you with dread and fear. How much more terrifying will it be to look into God's face, when He comes with His angels in great power and glory to judge us on the Last Day?

That's one of the truly wonderful things about Christmas. The promised Savior did not come as a fearsome, mighty warrior to strike fear and terror into each of us. Instead, He came as a tiny baby lying in a manger. He didn't come to terrify us; He came to take away our sin and guilt and assure us of God's love and forgiveness.


Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to live among us and save us by Your perfect life, Your innocent suffering and death, and Your glorious resurrection. Calm my heart when I'm gripped with fear and fill me with peace and joy. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)