Luke 2:10-11 "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Fear not. The angel's first words to the group if terrified shepherds were ones of comfort. Why was there fear? An unexpected occurrence, an unknown being, fear for their safety, even fear of being surrounded by the light of the glory of God. But the was no reason to fear because the news that the angel brang to the shepherds was good news, it was news that would bring great joy. And it was for anyone, anywhere. No matter who, no matter what they and done. All people. Even the shepherds, the nobodies. The good news was for them too.

What was the good news? It was that there was a Savior. Christmas means that God desires to restore what has been lost. As John Piper wrote in his book "Joy," Christmas means that God keeps his promises. A Savior was promised, and Savior came. And today salvation and restoration are promised for all who will but call out to God for it.

"I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." (Psalms 18:3)

Truly he came to "save his people from their sins." Why do we look around and fear? Why do we wallow in doubt? Why do we settle for anything less then victory? There is good news of great joy for us, that a Savior has come who desires to save and restore.

"It is God's message of hope this Advent that what is good need never be lost and what is bad can be changed. The Devil works to take the good and bring the bad. And Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil." (John Piper "Joy")

The coming of the Savior brings a message of comfort and not one of fear. One of joy and not of dismay. So let us look to the One who has come to "save his people from their sins," who holds the power to keep the good and change the bad, who desires to restore what has been stolen.