Remember all the Charlie Brown specials surrounding the different holidays? Poor Charlie Brown, nothing quite works out for him – from the football being pulled away from him, Lucy always disappointing him on the baseball field, and a rock when trick or treating. As a junior in high school I was fortunate to play the part of Linus in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Poor Mrs. King who had to work with me on the singing part… Loveable Linus, he couldn’t let go of his blanket, he gave the term security blanket a whole new meaning. He tried, but he could not let his blanket go.
I’ve sure we’ve all had the pleasure of watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Charlie Brown again disappointed when the tree he chooses for the school play draws everyone’s ridicule. In response Charlie Brown laments and says, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Linus steps up, blanket in hand, and says; “Sure, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel of the Lord said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people… (Luke 2:8-14) Have you ever noticed what happens when Linus says the words, “Fear not”? He drops his blanket; he drops his perceived security blanket as if to say, I no longer need this.
Do you have a security blanket; something you think you have to have to survive, you just can’t live without it? Do you have things you fear and cannot seem to overcome? I think we can all learn from Linus and his reaction as he narrated the story of Jesus’ birth. We are blessed to have a Savior who can overcome all our fears and bring us peace.
I’m grateful that Charles Schulz included this. As the story goes, the producer was fearful, stating it was dangerous to talk about religion now. Schulz replied, “If we don’t, who will?” I encourage you to watch this with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and take a moment to read Luke 2 to them as well.
Prayer: Father, help us to trust you and drop our fears knowing you are always with us. Give us the same courage Charles Schulz had over 50 years ago to make sure every child who watched his Christmas special would hear what Christmas is all about. Please bless us with the opportunity to share this story with a child and remember our security is always in Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray, Amen.
God’s Blessings, Pastor Brett
I never noticed that Linus dropped his blanket! We don’t need our worldly security blanket when the Lord is our shield and protector!
I am like Lisa as I never noticed the security blanket being dropped. Our savior is all I need but I sometimes let fear step in first but that is the human side of me. We do have an awesome God who protects us all the time.