Dec

Let it Go

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to watch Christmas movies, many of which are classics (and no, Hallmark Christmas movies don’t count as classics…just one man’s opinion!). Some of my favorites are It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott, Muppet Christmas Carol, & the nostalgic, take me back to my childhood, Charlie Brown Christmas.

I was reading a devotional the other day and the writer pointed out something in the Charlie Brown Christmas that floored me. The scene takes place when Charlie Brown asks, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus, always with his security blanket, says, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then takes center stage and recites Luke 2:8-14, which says,

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

What’s so awesome to me is what happened as he was reciting this passage of Scripture. As he got to verse 10 and said the words, “Fear not” Linus does the unimaginable: he drops his blanket!

There’s no question in my mind that Charles Schultz, the writer of Charlie Brown, was communicating a powerful message to his audience, one that Scripture communicates to us. The incarnation – The birth of Jesus, coming to planet earth as a child, His atoning death on the cross followed by His victorious resurrection tells us that we no longer have to be enslaved to fear! True peace and security can only be found in Jesus Christ the one who came to rescue us not only from our fears but more importantly, from the sin that would have separated us eternally from His presence.

In light of this truth, what blanket of fear is God asking you to let go of today?

Is your security misplaced?

Is it in earthly things or people?

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ?

If not, then today is the day…let go of the blanket!

You can watch the clip HERE

Pastor Seth