We Don't Need to Be Afraid

Early in December, a blog reader wrote to me about a special moment in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Last night, when Ray suggested that we watch the show, I watched for that special moment. I saw it for myself, but I didn’t tell Ray until after the show was over. Then I asked him to rewind our old VHS tape until the time when Linus begins to tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. Watching it backward made Ray notice the moment without my telling him.

Looking for that moment made me noticed a couple of other moments. In the lead-up to the show’s most important scene, Lucy criticizes Linus twice for carrying his trusty blue blanket.

Now I’ll share with you the special moment. Linus walks to center stage with his blanket in hand. There under the spotlight, he begins:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not:

When Linus says “Fear not . . . ,” he drops his blanket and then continues:.

“. . . 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.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:8-14

I recently found this beautiful painting on a free image website. I don’t know who the artist is. Do you? I think it is one of the most beautiful depictions of the shepherds I have seen. When I showed it to some grandchildren on Sunday, one of them said she liked how one shepherd is leaning on the cow. I also like that he and the one with the staff look so happy. The other two have awe in their faces. Notice that none of them look afraid. Do you think they took the angel’s words to heart?

After hurrying to see Jesus and then telling others what the angel told them:

. . . the shepherds went back,
glorifying and praising God
for all that they had heard and seen,
just as had been told them.
Luke 2:20

Praise replaced their fear.

Our powerful, interested, loving, holy, perfect Father loves us. He knows what is really best for us, and He wants it for us. We don’t need to be afraid. Let’s lay down our blankets and trust Him.

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you;
not as the world gives, do I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.
John 14:27