What Did the Angels Say at Christmas? Part 1

What Did the Angels Say at Christmas? Part 1
Monday, December 1, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

Do Not Fear

A hurried knock brought him to his feet. My husband opened the door.

With a grim face and sober voice, our neighbor said, “Tom, your wife is alive, but she was in a terrible accident. On the road just outside our neighborhood. I came as quickly as I could. I wanted you to know the paramedics are checking her out right now.”

“Thank you, Susan,” he breathed out deeply.

Although we might expect gripping worry to arise in his chest, peace descended instead. Like a soft, downy comforter, wrapping around my husband. He arrived on the scene as the paramedics worked. Despite the horrendous wreckage, my husband walked toward me in God’s stillness.

Through the first responder’s medical checks, his gentle voice floated toward me. “I’m here, honey. I’m praying for you. God is with you. I’ll follow the ambulance and meet you at the emergency room.”

His prayer soothed my soul.

By God’s grace and intervention, my life was spared from what should have been a fatal accident. Although I suffered injuries, we sat together in the emergency room, thanking God that I had survived.

Whenever we recall that day, my husband still marvels at the indescribable peace he experienced. He did not fear, and his steady interactions with me allayed my trembling. A touch of God’s hand covered him and enabled him to minister the divine peace of God to me, which truly passes all understanding.

As the Christmas season approaches, we sometimes forget the beginning of the biblical account of Christ’s birth and the shepherds’ terror when the angels appeared.

What did the angels say at Christmas?

In Luke 2:8-9 (ESV), we read, “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”

Some translations read, “they were terrified.” Throughout the Bible, when people encountered angels from the supernatural realm, fear-filled responses ensued.

If we pause and consider the power of God’s creation, we glimpse His awesomeness. This is a rightful fear and reverence of the Lord.

We see His unmatched greatness in:

sunlight, which blinds us if we gaze too long
the immense weight of the ocean, which can demolish the finest manmade structures with a mighty blow
the breathtaking depths of rocky chasms in the Grand Canyon
lightning like fire splitting the sky and thunder that shakes the house

These are a few reminders of God’s massive power and unrivaled glory.

So, when we envision what the shepherds witnessed in the fields that night, we understand their deep fear. A holy and powerful spirit-being from another dimension appeared unexpectedly. Then the glory of the Lord shone around them.

No words from their life experiences could describe what they saw. After humbly going about their work, shepherding animals night after night, no one could have prepared them for such a strange and sacred event. Heaven broke open and touched earth.

Try to imagine a dark, quiet winter night, interrupted suddenly, aglow with celestial messengers and otherworldly radiance.

Fear not

Fittingly, the angel’s first words were, “Fear not” (Luke 2:10 ESV).

This refrain, “fear not,” echoes throughout the Bible in myriad ways. The Bible records the words "fear not" or "do not be afraid" over 100 times (Source: WhatBibleSaying). Including Luke 1:30, when the angel told Mary, “Do not be afraid.”

Of course, our greatest fear is to be separated from God. Therefore, knowing that the angels appeared to herald our Savior’s birth gives an eternal reason to calm our fears.

Certainly, everyone goes through difficult and frightening experiences in life. However, as Christians, when we look to Jesus, we have abiding peace. We know God is with us, and through Christ, our future is secure. We are His in life and death. And everything in between.

May our Christ-purchased peace be a healing balm and an earthly witness to those shivering in despair from earthly woes. Jesus came to die for our sins. What other love is like His? What other peace matters more?

He fits us with shoes to bear the gospel of peace through Christ. Wherever we may go. At Christmas and always.

The world quakes. Governments topple. The earth groans.

Do not be afraid. Christ, our Savior, has come and is coming again! He is our Prince of Peace.

What Scriptures or Bible stories help you not to be afraid?

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Comments

Karen Friday From At 12/9/2025 3:19:38 PM

Oh, Melissa, this is so powerful and beautiful. Reading about your accident and your husband’s peace brought encouragement to my heart. And how you unpacked the shepherd’s part of the Christmas story is wonderful! God bless!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

God is amazing. Thank you for the encouraging words, Karen! I pray God will give you and Mike His divine peace. My husband and I are continuing to pray for a miracle of healing for Mike. God bless!

Jessica Brodie From SC At 12/8/2025 10:22:59 AM

How frightening ... I'm so grateful you were ok! And what a perfect message... FEAR NOT. Amen, amen.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

May God's peace bless you and your family, Jessica!

Terrie From Texas At 12/6/2025 5:24:14 PM

Always an inspiration! You are a light in life. I Praise the Lord that HE has brought us together. Thank you Jesus ????????

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I praise the Lord that HE has brought us together, too, dear Terrie! All glory to the Lord! Have a blessed and beautiful day!

Yvonne Morgan From Austria At 12/6/2025 8:22:24 AM

What a beautiful message of God’s peace that is available to all of us, each day. I’m sorry you had the horrible accident but glad God was with you. Blessings

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you, Yvonne. God miraculously protected me and miraculously covered my husband in peace. I pray everyone will know His great gift of peace, through our Savior!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 12/3/2025 4:03:25 PM

"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." What an indescribable peace!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. A gift for all eternity!

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 12/2/2025 12:34:56 PM

This is a beautiful reminder of God's love and mercy. Have a blessed week dear friend.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

God is so good. His mercy and love give us eternal peace, comfort, and hope. Have a blessed week, dear friend.

Patrick McLaughlin From Pottstown, PA At 12/2/2025 8:11:12 AM

Beautiful devotional Missy. Never heard the story about Tom when he got the news of your accident. The "PEACE" that goes beyond our understanding. Hard to explain to someone unless they've experienced it. Praise God you were spared that day!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen Pat! It was an absolute miracle from God. But Tom experienced his own miracle through God's unexplainable peace. Oh, what a Savior!

Gail Johnson From At 12/2/2025 7:26:55 AM

Love this, Melissa. So thankful we do not have to fear. Jesus is our peace!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you, Gail, for reading and sharing your insights! Peace is a huge blessing from our Savior! God bless your day!

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