Be not afraid

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ (Luke 2:8-14)

When I was young, my grandmother would get me to read the story of the nativity. And I would do so with a sense of wonder, picturing brightly glowing choirs of angels singing joyfully on wing. It was as magical to me as Santa Claus, and more wonderfully childlike even than the idea of a fat man coming down the chimney to be burnt by the fire my grandfather threatened to leave!

I have long ceased to believe in Santa Claus. And I am not proud of that! I wish I could believe childlike things, as a child.

But I do believe in choirs of angels. And at times, I think I hear them, singing joyfully. :-)