Read:
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
~Luke 2:16-21
Consider:
Most of us have those Christmas traditions that we embrace each year. For me, there are a few special things, but one of my favorites is reading Luke’s telling of the Christmas story in the King James Version. It is the original version I learned as a little girl and I love the rhythm and timing as it is read aloud. And my favorite person to listen reading this is the character, Linus, from Charlie Brown (of course)! It seems my family and I have watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every Christmas Eve. But this year another writer brought to my attention something very significant that happens during Linus’ speech that I never noticed before.
As Linus recites the section about the angel appearing to the shepherds, he suddenly drops his security blanket as he say the words, “Fear not”. If you are familiar with his character, you know that Linus is never without his security blanket. It goes with him everywhere. Yet author Charles Shultz allows Linus to let go of his security blanket in what I believe is one of the best uses of symbolism. “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Christ has come, fear is gone! No longer does Linus need a blanket for security. Jesus provides everything he needs.
Have we replaced Jesus with our own security blanket? Do we place our security in our spouse? Our work? Money? Possessions? This Christmas Day, let’s release whatever we are holding on to and open our hands and hearts to receive our Savior and King!
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
Take a moment to enjoy Linus today!
Journal:
1. Like Linus, are you holding on to something for security?
2. Why does whatever this is make you feel secure?
3. What can you do today to replace this with trust in Jesus?
Pray:
Dear God~This Christmas Day, we want to draw close to You. We want to place in you all of our hope and faith and rely completely upon You. No longer do we want to try to do life on our own, placing our security in our own abilities. Instead, we want to open our hands and hearts to fully accept Your gift of Jesus. Guide our paths and draw us closer to You each and every day. In Jesus name we pray…Amen!