THE FIRST TO HEAR

The Gospel of Luke opens with three visitations from angels - first to Zechariah, the second to Mary, and the third to the shepherds.

These visitations have at least three things in common with each other:

1. The human reaction is fear. 

    -Zechariah was "startled and gripped with fear". (1:12)

    -Mary was "greatly troubled". (1:29)

    -The shepherds "were terrified". (2:9)

2. The angel leads with "Do not be afraid". 

3. The gist of the angel's message each time is: "You have found favor with God."

This is Luke's record of the first individuals to hear of God's plan to bring redemption to the world and they all hear the same message:

"You don't have to be afraid. God is not against you. You have favor in His sight."

Favor!

Can you feel it?