12/06/2025
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 Jesus' birth. Despite the station's executives' hesitance and attempts to dissuade him, Schulz stood firm. As a result, for over 50 years, millions have been inspired by his unwavering faith, watching 'A Charlie Brown Christmas ' and hearing the story of Jesus, 'What Christmas is all about. '
Years back, I realized there was a "hidden message" in the film. Linus, a child who seems to have some insecurities, always carries a security blanket with him. Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once...
While sharing the message of "what Christmas is all about," Linus drops his blanket when he says, "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. This 'fear not' is not just about being unafraid, but about having faith and trust in God's plan. 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.
A while back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech, so my interpretation must be wrong. He was right; Linus picked 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 after that, Linus uses his blanket to wrap around the base of the tree and says, "Maybe it just needs a little love". At that moment, the tree 'awakens' and stands tall and firm. It is a reminder that no matter who we are and 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 throughout the year.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, always. Merry Christmas. God bless.