Archbishop pauses for thought on the theme of don't be afraid

"The angel said to the terrified shepherds:

"Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone joyful. This day in King David's city, a Saviour was born for you. He is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10)

Jesus is born in a stable, a stable he didn't even own. He who dwelt in the splendour of heaven came to us and his maternity ward was a stable. He, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, created the splendour of the universe, came to us lowly and homeless. He lived his life in exactly the same way.

He came, not to the wealthy and influential, but to simple shepherds. And he reveals the mystery of his glory by coming to earth and dwelling among the lowly.

Shepherds understood the work of this Saviour and Lord Christ better than kings, priests, or princes. As the Good Shepherd he came to dwell among the meek and lowly people whose hearts God had touched; and were therefore ready for a venturesome faith.

The shepherds were in haste. They could not just sit still. They had to respond! They had to act! Having heard the good news from the angel, they responded positively and went to Bethlehem to see this thing that had taken place – revealed to them by the Lord.

That message of the angel is for each one of us: "Don't be afraid". Forthe missing, such as Madeline McCann, Claudia Lawrence and their parents: "Don't be afraid!" For children in our own country who suffer at the hands of those who should care for them: '"Don't be afraid!" For the downtrodden in our world: "Don't be afraid."

Why? Because two thousand years ago in King David's city, a Saviour was born for us all, He is Christ the Lord. And he invites us to go and be angels in our communities till a new day dawns.