“When I saw him, I fell at his feet a though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; as I have the keys of Death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18

“Seeing God on the spot, resurrected, and declaring that things will change – this takes our breath away. According to Scripture, God does this a lot – to discouraged prophets facing idolatrous congregations, to shepherds in the fields, to disciples in storms, to followers being severely persecuted – ‘Do not be afraid’ is one of God’s favorite things to say.” (Wesleyan Life Application Topic, Do Not Be Afraid, Wesley Study Bible pg 1538)
It’s 2 days before Christmas Day, the day we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Being on the far side of Easter, remembering the birth we also remember the life, death and most importantly the resurrection of our Savior. It is a lot to take in. Dying to self, falling to the ground in God’s presence is an appropriate response on our part. Worshipping God for all that God has done, is doing and will do is appropriate at all times. Is part of the reason we go to the ground from fear, or is it total respect and awe? Unless we are totally repentant my guess is there is some fear of punishment for sin in our reaction. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid”, “I live so you may live also, I have the keys of Death and Hades, and you because of your faith are locked out of those places and locked in to life with me. How do we respond? Worship of God, high and lifted-up is the only proper response. Die to yourself, fall on the ground, worship the living God!