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...
How wonderful to know this...I grew up on Charlie Brown and always loved the comic strips and the books...they were always so wholesome and funny...I never got into the videos but this man gave us so much entertainment...certainly used by God...thank you for sharing this.
Linus Christmas Story Monologue...
https://youtu.be/eff0cqYefYY?si=y602Di0waBp5TE3I
A Charlie Brown Christmas Vince Guaraldi
https://youtu.be/s9kma0diE3s?si=eUr7WamQyBZ9W-C7
In middle school I played Linus in the school play...has to memorize that monologue...terrifying being on stage as a kid with a relatively long speech to make! Apparently I lived through it all.
Omg. I played Lucy! I remember running around the stage saying…”Ugh! I was kissed by a dog! Get some disinfectant!”
That’s awesome! Blonde Lucy!!!
I had a blanket and everything...was pretty crazy being alone on stage with the spot light on me...I still enjoy seeing the show every year. Hopefully we’ll get to see it even though Amazon is hoarding it.
Merry Christmas Lucy!!