And the angel said unto them,
"Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall
be to all people." This joy is not just for Peter and Paul but for
all people. Not just to apostles, prophets, and martyrs does God say, but
to you, "Come, see the baby Jesus." "Fear not," said
the angel. I fear death, the judgment of God, the world hunger and the
like. The angel announces a Savior who will free us from fear. Not
a word is said about our merits and works, but only of the gift we are to
receive.
Martin Luther, from "Martin Luther's Christmas Book," Fortress Press
Martin Luther, from "Martin Luther's Christmas Book," Fortress Press
