I've seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas" more times than I can remember. Snoopy's antic's were always my favorite. From skating with the girls to winning 1st Prize for his house decorations, Snoopy's comic relief was what I loved most about the television special.
That is, Snoopy was my favorite.
While I'll still watch every year and giggle as Lucy runs from Snoopy's kiss to find some iodine to cleanse herself, I will be paying extra attention to Linus. Even as a youngster, the importance of Linus's speech, quoting from Luke's Gospel was not lost on me. But, I never caught the visual significance of his security blanket, until this year.
During the infamous moment when Linus takes center stage, he is holding his blanket. He then proceeds to quote the Gospel. When he gets to the line,"Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy ..." his blanket holding hand disappears from the frame for a moment, then returns to clasp his other hand, this time not holding a blanket! As the camera pulls back, we see his blanket lying on the floor.
So, what's the significance? Well, Linus holds his blanket for security and comfort. But, at the sound of the Angel saying "Fear not," Linus symbolically lets go of his earthly comfort to trust in the Lord. After all, isn't that what our Hope in Jesus is all about? We do not have to be afraid; of anything!
A short while later, Linus and his blanket take center stage again. This time to help the puny tree that Charlie Brown picked. Linus explains as he wraps his blanket around the base of the tree, "maybe it just needs a little love." In that act, it is as if Linus is sharing the comfort and joy he has received from Christ with others. (Fast forward to 5:30 below).
It's not always easy, but like Linus, I'm ready to set down my security blanket and trust that Jesus has a plan for me. Whether or not I get some bumps or bruises along the way is okay with me. It can be difficult to follow Christ; but I have found it to be a rewarding and exciting ride.
As Christmas inches closer, I'm keeping my heart open, full of hope, love, peace, and joy!
"There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David's town your Savior was born - Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:8-12
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