Whenever an angel shows up in the Bible, the first thing the angel says is "be not afraid." Kinda makes you wonder if the angels are inherently frightening, doesn't it?

Or does it make you wonder if being exposed to such beauty and glory makes us afraid of our own inability to measure up to God's desires for our lives?

Either way, the message is clear: we don't need to be afraid. Not of the angels, not of Jesus, and not of God. We are seen for who we've been. We are forgiven for what we've done.

We are loved for who we are.

So be not afraid.