The angels appeared to those on the margins: a poor teenager and shepherds.
And they were afraid.

Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, foreigners, disreputable women,  to share the news of God’s love and mercy.

God appears in unexpected ways and places—opening our hearts, opening our eyes, and commanding us to “fear not.”

God is being born again in and through us:

• When we bring love to places of hate.
• When we allow others to care for us.
• When we bring justice to places of injustice.
• When we feed the hungry and accept food from the stranger.
• When we love one another–especially those who annoy or challenge us.
• When we love our enemies.
• When we stand with those who are persecuted.
• When we weep with those who weep.

Jesus was born in a time of division, a time of fear, and a time of uncertainty.

The angel said “fear not.”