A Christmas Message from Linus:

LinusThis year marks 50 showings of the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Fifty years … but I wonder how many people have noticed this. I read about it in a piece entitled, Just Drop the Blanket, by blogger Jason Soroski. In commenting on Linus’ delivery of Luke 2:8-14, Soroski writes,

Linus is most associated with his ever-present security blanket. Throughout the story of Peanuts, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and others all work to no avail to separate Linus from his blanket. And even though his security blanket remains a major source of ridicule for the otherwise mature and thoughtful Linus, he simply refuses to give it up. Until this moment. When he simply drops it.

In that climactic scene when Linus shares what “Christmas is all about,” he drops his security blanket, and I am now convinced that this is intentional. Most telling is the specific moment he drops it: when he utters the words “fear not.”

What do you fear? What’s your blanket? Does the Christmas message have any power to help you let go? As we move past Christmas on our calendars, let’s not forget the prophesied Messiah bears, among other titles, “Wonderful Counselor … The Prince of Peace.”

I would think that owning the title “Prince of Peace” would have the power to dispense that to his followers. He certainly spoke as if he did …

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Our Prince has power to give us peace in the midst of worldly troubles … but according to the second passage, that peace is only “in” Him.

Father, grant us the grace to drop our fear and the blankets we use to cover it and cling to our Prince of Peace. Help us to live under His reign and be lights of peace in a dark and fearful world.



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