I have an 09 XF SC with only about 15K on it. I was pulling out the other day
and when I shifted from reverse to drive I evidently didn't have my foot on the
brake hard enough. The car went into Drive but the gear did not engage and
the "D" LED flashed. I stopped the car, put it in Park and shifted into Drive (with my foot firmly on the brake). It went into gear and I drove off without problem.

The issue now is that the message center is completely blank. No clock. No
position indicator circle. The top drive indicator is shown (with a large P or D)
and the odometer fine as well. Just wondering if anyone has seen this or has
any ideas about how to restore the center message display. I was planning
on disconnecting the battery (or probably buying a new one). Thanks!

 

I assume you've locked and unlocked the car since then?

If it's still blank that's an extremely random issue. I'd start by looking at the battery like you've alluded to. This seems to be just a system glitch

 

Pulled the battery terminal and the screen is restored.