I’ve Got Terrific News
On a quiet night outside Bethlehem, a group of shepherds kept watch over their flocks. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until heaven broke open. Luke tells us, “The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Terrified. And who could blame them? Angels do not usually show up on the night shift.
What is fascinating is how the angel responded: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.” In other words, “I’ve got terrific news!”
That word terrific is interesting. It comes from the Latin root terrere, meaning to frighten. In its earliest use, terrific described something terrifying or fear inducing, something that made your heart race and your knees weak. But over time, its meaning shifted. Today, we use terrific to describe something excellent, splendid, awesome, or very good, completely moving away from its frightening origins.
Isn’t that exactly what happened to the shepherds?
They started the night shaking in fear, hearts pounding, overwhelmed by the sudden blaze of heavenly glory. But by the time the angels finished their announcement, the shepherds’ terror had transformed into excitement. Their fear gave way to wonder, their trembling turned into praise, and the news that first startled them soon sent them running toward Bethlehem with hope in their steps.
What changed?
Not the message, but their perspective.
The news did not become less powerful; they simply came to understand what it meant. The Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. God had drawn near. Peace was breaking into the world. Their fear was replaced with joy because the message was terrific in the truest, fullest sense: awe inspiring, heart shaking, and unbelievably good.
Sometimes God’s work in our lives feels terrifying at first. Change can rattle us. Unexpected moments can shake us. God’s light can be overwhelming when it breaks into our familiar darkness. But often, what begins as frightening becomes a blessing, something terrific, once we see what God is doing.
This Christmas, may we hear the angels anew.
May we allow our trembling hearts to be steadied by their message.
And may the good news that startled the shepherds become good news that strengthens us:
A Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
Terrific news, indeed.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
