"I Can Tell You What Christmas is All About Charlie Brown" - by Greg Arnold

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

- Luke 2:9-11 (KJV)

Raise your hand if you require a tally sheet to count the number of times you’ve watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” during the Christmas season. Some of us have never missed a year. The Arnold compound has it recorded just in case we miss the airing.

Added to the television line-up of Christmas specials in 1965, Charlie Brown delivered a simple message of unity, tolerance, and hope through Christ. When the special was released, it is estimated that only 9% of the Christmas specials in the 1960’s had any reference to religion (Wikipedia). This religiously arid landscape caused the producers to question the creator of Charlie Brown, Charles Schultz, insistence to share the good news of Christ on television. It was risky. Schultz told them, “If we don't do it, who will?” The producers nervously agreed to proceed.

Like our current culture’s harried holiday pace, often neglecting Christ’s role through the rush of Christmas, Charlie Brown finds himself in the same pace. He becomes frustrated with living out the wrong version of Christmas. The story turns when Charlie Brown desperately screams out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”

Linus then calmly, confidently answers, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then drags his blanket to center stage, the spotlight hits him, and he begins to quote directly from Luke 2 in the King James version.

While the viewers sit still and listen to Linus, Charles Schultz takes his own moment in the spotlight to to subtly and intentionally preach a sermon to every eye.  It’s a sermon delivered in what isn’t said, but what is seen. With one small gesture in the course of Linus’ reciting of the Annunciation of Christ, Mr. Schultz drew Linus to drop his security blanket just as Linus recites the angel’s words “fear not” in verse 10.  Linus concludes his soliloquy, picks up his security blanket, and quietly exits from the spotlight.

I am encouraged by the the message of hope which Linus recites from Luke 2.  More so, I am emboldened by the bold sermon on the security of Christ Mr. Schultz preached through one simple, intentional gesture by Linus’ dropping of the blanket.

Maybe this is why I cling so tightly to Linus’ little “blanket drop”. Even though Linus knows about the good news of Christ, he demonstrates his security in God by swapping his blanket for something greater, life in Christ. Yes, he does return to the temporary blanket when the spotlight is off… but isn’t that what we tend to do in times of darkness?

This Christmas, may we each pray for the courage and boldness to shine the spotlight of hope and unity in Christ with our family, our friends, and our community.  And may we also pray to remain secure in what Christ has done for us when we leave the spotlight and enter those dark and stormy nights.