“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people’.” – Luke 2:10
Since 1965, Charles Schultz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas has aired on television. For many people it has become as much a part of the Christmas tradition as Santa Clause, Christmas trees, and Christmas music. It is a television program that I have seen countless times. In this animated show, the Peanuts gang is up to their usual antics, both in and out of school. The climax of the show is when Charlie Brown continues to ask, in great desperation, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
It is Linus, the smart, thumb-sucking, blanket-carrying member of the Peanuts who tells Charlie Brown that he knows the meaning of Christmas. He then turns and begins to recite Luke 2:8-14. He tells of the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus. It is a beautiful and special moment when the Christmas story is told by Linus.
One thing I had never realized, and was just recently brought to my attention, is that during the reciting of the Christmas story, Linus actually drops his blanket. This never happens in any other Peanuts stories. Linus and his blanket are inseparable. It is his security! But in this one moment, when he utters those beautiful words from Luke 2:10, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” Linus finds the strength to be separated from his blanket.
What a beautiful image from Charles Schultz. The arrival of Jesus the Christ into the world brings to each of us the gift of peace, even in the midst of a world that so often causes distress and great fear. The world around Linus had not changed much in that moment. All that caused him to clutch his blanket with such anxiety was still present, but when he focused on the presence of Jesus in the world, he found his fears much less troubling.
This is the gift of Christmas, the gift of Christ born in the manger. Although the world is still filled with so much to cause us concern, we have been given an even greater gift. Because Jesus has arrived, we know that God is with us, we are not alone. This is truly good news that brings, “Great joy.”
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
