Sunday’s Coming

Joyful and afraid (Luke 2:1–20)

Can we recognize Jesus' coming as good news?

To receive these posts by e-mail each Monday, sign up.

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Sometimes we are slow to recognize who is for us and for us in the best way. An angel brings good news to shepherds living in the fields, and the shepherds' first reaction is one of fear. They are filled with joy over the message yet fearful of the messenger.