Certain passages sound better in the King James Version of the Bible. Published in 1611 under the sponsorship of James, king of England, Scotland and Ireland, the KJV grew into the most widely used English text in the world.

These days I read from a variety of newer versions, preferring the New International Version (NIV) for reading and the English Standard Version (ESV) for textual accuracy. But today, reading the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke, I turned to King James.

When confronted by angels, my modern version tells me the shepherds watching their flocks by night were filled with great fear (Luke 2:9). The KJV uses rather archaic language to describe them as sore afraid.

Sore. The word in this context carries a violent meaning. Intense, painful fear. So terrified the shepherds hurt. Fear that pushed them to the ground in abject terror.

Not exactly what I think of when I imagine being touched by an angel. I dimly recognize, from this and similar passages, that I really have no clue about the heavenly realms surrounding us – which is both terribly frightening and terribly exciting.

The angels calmed the shepherds and announced the greatest news ever told: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11 KJV).

Good tidings of great joy for King James of England, Scotland and Ireland, and good tidings of great joy for me and you.

Week eleven of reading the Bible cover to cover