Linus and his security blanket

 By Michael Sprague

The Rest Of The Story…. Linus Security Blanket Lesson

2000 or so years ago heated conversations broiled around how many terms Quirinius would serve as Governor, the political ramifications of Caesar’s Census, the new tax rates and the current  terrorist threat level. Not much has changed. 

Many missed the first Christmas because of the human gravitational pull for a Political Savior and a Military Messiah. Many give the impression the Gospel is a political message rather than a redemptive invitation to all. No one was looking for the hope of the world or the glory of Christmas in a feeding trough in Bethlehem, yet God the Son humbly put on flesh and chose to dwell among us.

My Christmas wish is that Christmas day will be a “time out” from hashing out the latest and best arguments from CNN, Fox or MSNBC and remember the words Linus quoted 58 years ago in the premiere showing of A Charlie Brown Christmas. He was responding to Charlie Brown’s frustration about the commercialization and distraction of the holiday when he shouts, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus, hearing his friend’s question, carried his blanket on stage and recited a section from Luke 2.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Linus blanket was, of course a security blanket and his ever present companion. In all the cartoons Linus was featured he was never without it…except one time. At the moment Linus recites the words, ”Fear not…a Savior is born, which is Christ the Lord” he drops his precious blanket. This wasn’t an accident. Charles Schultz was intentional. The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears. May this be so for you, my friends. Merry Christmas.