Do not be frightened or afraid

By Rick Light

My Dear Co-Laborers in the Gospel,
 
Luke 2: 10-12 says, “But the angel said to them, Do not be frightened, for, behold, I
bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; because to you is born
this day in the town of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign
for you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
 
First, notice the exhortation “Do not be frightened or afraid, literally stop being
frightened,” when God shows up or his holy angels we are naturally fearful because of
our sin. We want to run and hide, just like our first parents! What’s going to stop me
from being fearful? The message of the Evangel, which was, “I bring you good news.”
The gospel!  As it was proclaimed by the angel so it is proclaimed by us! Next notice
that it is good news that brings, “great joy.” What greater joy could there be than the
realization and acceptance of the fact that God himself, through the sacrifice of His one
and only Son, had brought about the solution of the world’s greatest problem, that of
sin! And was not the Son’s incarnation the first step in this solution? Next notice that this
message of good news is, “for all the people,” regardless of nationality, age, wealth,
fame, social position, education, etc. Next notice that the One promised long, long ago
is now born in the town of David, even as the prophet foretold.
 
Our mission and purpose since 1958 has been to proclaim the good news of the Gospel
to all men everywhere, any time, any place.  What a joy to work along side of you in
helping you to keep at it, by the grace of God!
 
From all of your REF staff members, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a most
blessed New Year!  
 
Together in Christ,
 
Dr Rick Light
CEO