“A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired in 1965, one year after I was born. Even back then Charles Shultz had to put up a fight to include the scene of Linus reciting Luke 2:8-14. Both his producer and his animator believed Shultz was crossing a line by having the Bible quoted to such an extent in a children’s cartoon. The executives at CBS were also reluctant. Shultz stood his ground saying, “We must tell this story. If we don’t, who will?”

54 years later, the scene of a little boy with a security blanket standing center stage is still cherished by people of all ages.

A few weeks ago, my wife pointed out something I had never noticed before: While Linus is reciting the Scripture, he suddenly drops his blanket when he quotes the angel saying, “Fear not!”

Every Peanuts fan knows that Linus and his blanket are inseparable. By having Linus drop his blanket at that precise moment, Charles Shultz was making a powerful statement regarding the confidence we can have in the presence of Jesus Christ. Shultz took a big risk by fighting for that scene, and maybe the blanket drop was his way of expressing his own faith in God. Sure, we know the story has a happy ending, but at that moment, Shultz had no idea if it would be a hit or a flop. He took the risk anyway. One thing he knew for certain was that in the presence of Jesus Christ, he had nothing to fear.

My friends, the words “fear not” are only spoken when there is a threat, something to be feared. And whether those words are said by an angel, the Holy Spirit or a fellow believer, their intent is to bring calm into the midst of a very real storm. There is much in this world to be afraid of, but in the presence of Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear.

There is likely something threatening you right now. As the shepherd of a local body of Christ, I learned a long time ago that no one sails through this life unscathed. Since the fall of Adam and Eve way back in the Garden of Eden, this world has proven to be anything but our safe haven. Life here is filled with thunderstorms that seem to pop up without warning. It is in the midst of these thunderstorms that we hear the calm and reassuring voice of the angel declare, “Fear not!”

As David wrote the shepherd’s psalm, his mind wandered back to times when he encountered severe trials – and he had plenty of them. He penned the words, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” David had plenty to be afraid of, but in God’s presence, he knew he had nothing to fear.

And fellow believer, neither do you. Listen, Jesus promised that He would never leave you or forsake you. In His presence you are safe and secure – even when it seems that all hell is breaking loose.

God is on the throne. Never forget that. As His child, He is very aware of what is taking place in your life. Do you feel that God has forgotten you or that He no longer cares? Is the thunder loud? Is it cancer? Disease? Addiction? A lost job? A straying child? A broken relationship?

Listen closely. Echoing above and beyond the storm is the voice of the angel declaring, “Fear not!” Can you hear it? Are you willing to hear it? You are God’s child! Listen and take heart! Jesus has overcome the world!

I must confess that this article was not easy to write. I know that what I have written is true, but living it is a whole other story. I’m sure we agree that the voice of the angel is not always easy to hear. Together, we must agree to listen more closely. The truth of God’s Word must inform and embolden our faith, even as the thunder rolls.

Listen. Listen closely. Can you hear it? The angel is declaring, “Fear not: 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

My New Year’s prayer for you is that the year 2020 will be a year of blessing and peace and calm. And if it is not, then I pray that the voice of the angel will fill your ears and your heart with hope and trust. Fear not!