The shepherds were terrified when they experienced the presence of God’s glory that came to them through the angel of the Lord. One of the few times in my life when I was terrified happened as I was working at a McDonald’s. Before they had inside dining, people walked up to an outside counter to place and receive their order. I was cooking hamburgers when suddenly a small tornado shattered the front windows and glass was flying everywhere. There was no warning. It happened so fast, and the terror I felt in that moment brought incredible fear. Miraculously, no one was injured, but we were all terrified by what had happened.
Terror brings fear, and the anxiety that comes with it can be debilitating. However, when God is there to comfort us in our darkest moments, He brings a peace and joy that supports us. He sustains us in a way that brings Him glory and results in our faith being strengthened.
Terror can strike in a moment and cloud us with darkness, but His joy can swallow up the fear and turn our hearts toward Him, no matter how devastating the event might be.