“Isn’t There Anyone Who Knows?” 

Dear Faith Family, 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night….  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, (Luke 2:8, 11). 

It was a pivotal moment in the movie.  It was a pivotal moment in the history of movies.  In fact, it was a pivotal moment in all of history.  Curious? 

Struggling with despair, Charlie blurted out: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”  Linus was such a good listener.  And into the slough of despond Linus did wade with a mouthful of hope: “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” 

Linus made his way center stage with his blanket in tow.  There he asked for “lights please”.  With the spotlight fixed on young Linus he delivered truth, God’s Word.  He quoted Luke 2:8-14.  After which, Linus walked out of the spotlight, over to his friend, and declared: “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” 

Earlier this week as I read verse eight, the brakes of my mind locked up and my thoughts came to a screeching halt.  The shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night.  Those words were quickly linked to the twenty-third Psalm: The Lord is my shepherd. 

So the shepherds in Luke 2 were modeling The Shepherd in Psalm 23!  The Lord is keeping watch over us, His flock!  When unnoticed or even questioned, our Shepherd is guarding us.  Even when we cannot see or understand, our Shepherd is caring for us.  Wow!  Let that sink in.  He is on guard keeping watch over you all the time, 24-7! 

He’s not absent from your conflict.  He’s not absent from the joy of family.  He’s not absent from the delights of the season.  He’s not even absent from the heartaches and the uncertainties and the failures and the difficulties that we face! 

And so the angels, like the psalmist (David), addressed fear.  There is no place for it in the presence of our Shepherd.  It is unwarranted.  It is unnecessary.  It is unwelcomed. 

In fact, you may have noticed as have others, that as Linus quoted the very words, fear not, he released his security blanket.  (Go ahead.  Look it up.  You know you want to.) 

Maybe we need to sew our fears into a blanket and drop it.  For after all, our Shepherd, the Lamb of God, is our Savior, Christ the Lord.  We shall not want. 

Under His care, 
Pastor Karl