When the angel came to Mary, in that marvelous myth of Jesus’ birth, he spoke the truth of the Gospel.

"Be not afraid," he said to her.

"Be not afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

Is this not more fundamental to the message of Christ than whether he whether he was born of a virgin or not?

"Be not afraid."

Here is the essence of Christianity. No matter what perils we face, no matter what doubts we harbor or what failures we have endured, be not afraid. We have found favor with God.

It was just such a realization that enabled Paul to preach to the Greeks, Luther to stand up to Rome and Galileo to explore the stars. They were all condemned by the religiously righteous but deep in their souls came the voice of the angel,

"Be not afraid, for you have found favor with God."

That is the substance of the Good News. That is what is proclaimed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

"Be not afraid. You are loved by God...no matter what."