In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters. He agreed with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus. Although the stations executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent. As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and heard the story of Jesus and "what Christmas is all about."
It wasn't until a few ears back that I realized a "hidden message" in the film. Linus, a child who seems to have some insecurities as he carries a security blanket with him at all times. In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once While sharing the message of "what Christmas is all about " Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, "fear not!"
In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. We are to "fear not", for Jesus is born. We needn't rely on material things for security, we have God with us, "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - the true meaning of Christmas.
Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong. Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he "drops" it again later...
Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, wooden tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap about the base of the tree and says, "Mavbe it iust needs a little love" In that moment. the tree "awakens" stands tall and firm. A reminder that no matter who we are, how many mistakes we've made, "a little love" can make all the difference . Let's strive to "fear not" (Luke 2:10) and "love one another" (John 13:34), not just at Christmastime, but the whole year through.
Borrowed from Charlene M. Speer & 'Christian Life Minister' on Facebook...
That's a really nice take on it! I'll be looking for it when I watch the cartoon this season.
Apple bought the rights to this special so it will not be aired on regular television this year. Coincidence? I doubt it. It will be available one day for streaming on a laptop tablet or phone, etc. I think December 16-17. In other words, they don't want anyone to watch it.
Well, I guess it's amazing that it HAD been aired every year until now (apparently been off air for a few years) One of the biggest proofs that Christianity is the true faith, is the opposition to it from virtually every aspect of modern society.
Two days, actually. But you'll STILL need an Apple ID, something I do not have, being an open source kind of guy. For subscribers, it's available at all times.
That's why years ago, I bought the DVDs featuring Halloween (I got a rock) as well as Christmas (That's what Christmas is all about) so I wouldn't be denied a part of my (and my kids') childhood.
We bought the DVD so we can watch it anytime several years ago