R.C. Sproul

No, there was none of that.

But suddenly, out of nowhere, an angel from heaven appeared to whatever shepherds were awake at the moment.

The angel of the Lord stood before them.

And the angel was accompanied with the glory of God.

The glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke gives us this notation that when the Shekinah glory appeared that the shepherds were greatly afraid.

I like the old King James.

They were sore afraid.

Because it's one thing to be afraid, but it's quite another to be sore afraid.

When you are sore afraid, beloved, you are afraid.

You are afraid like you've never been afraid in your whole life.

Who wouldn't be trembling in fear at the manifestation of the glory of God at that moment?

The angel said, don't be afraid.

Why not?

Because I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Don't be afraid because there is born to you, to us, shepherds.

The angel says there is born to you.

Unto you a child is born.

Unto you despised shepherds a son is given.

Unto you this day is born in the city of David a Soter, a Savior.