“But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was” (Luke 1:29).
When we see the holiness of God, even through the filter of one of his created beings, we are moved with fear. All of our imperfections come bursting across our minds; like a bolt of lightning across a dark sky the clouds of our faults come into full view. How can we be favored when we are covered with humanity?
It is our faith in the efficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice that brings us peace with God and washes away our fear of his presence (Romans 5:1). The message of Gabriel comes to us believers, “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God.” He calls us to himself and asks us to welcome him into our home (the place where we are completely exposed to him) (Revelation 3:20).
There is no hiding in the presence of God because there is no need to hide. He offers forgiveness and creates change where needed. His Christmas gift is given, we only need to unwrap it.
