The shepherds abiding in the field at Bethlehem, "keeping watch over their flock," were sore afraid over that birth. But they were speedily told to "fear not."

The glory of the Lord which "shone round about them" was not an omen of tragedy. Their ears were not to hear a message of dire judgment. For God was sending His Son into the world at this time not to condemn the world; but rather that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).

There is an appointed day coming in which God will judge the world by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31). But this joyous occasion was not the time for that condemnation.

The message which completely removed the shepherds' fears was "good tidings of great joy." The shepherds were the first to hear of the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies relating to the birth of the Saviour.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10,11),

The shepherds lost no time going unto Bethlehem to "see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."

And when they saw the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, "they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" (Luke 2:15-17).

In due time, the Saviour, in order to save us, died for our sins, was buried, but rose again for our justification.

These "good tidings of great joy" will remove the fear of death and judgment from all who believe them.

What better time could there be than the present moment—the only one we are sure of—to personally believe the gospel of Christ and prove it to be the power of God to one's salvation! (Romans 1:16).

Jesus my Saviour to Bethlehem came,
Born in a manger to sorrow and shame;
Oh, it was wonderful—blest be His name!
Seeking for me, for me!