Day 18 – December 14
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. [Luke 2:10-11 NIV]
It is almost impossible for me to read these verses without hearing the voice of Linus reciting the Christmas story. In case you are that one person in our church family who hasn’t seen “A Charlie Brown Christmas” find the 1965 television special and watch it! As only the hapless Charlie Brown and his friends can do, they embark on a search for the meaning of Christmas. Uncharacteristically, Linus takes charge and recites from the Gospel of Luke. One piece of trivia for you – Shultz had to stand firm against the television producers to have children voice all the animated characters.
Linus was not afraid to share the true meaning of Christmas. I think in his childlike wisdom, Linus understood the gravity of the message delivered by the angel to the shepherds. However, the shepherds were in a much different time and place. They weren’t retelling the story – they were unexpectedly called into the original Christmas pageant. It is no wonder they were terrified by the angelic message!
As we continue to prepare our hearts in this Christmas season, may I be so bold as to encourage you to imagine yourself as one of the shepherds in Luke 2. And as Linus.
Heavenly Father, I bow my head in prayer grateful for the Good News that an angel brought to those shepherds 2000 years ago. I pray that I am a Linus and prepared to share that same Good News to those I encounter. Thank You for the birth of the Messiah in the town of David. Amen.
Written by: Bev Carbert
Schultz was a pretty smart guy!