‘Fear Not’
It's that time of year again when all the old Christmas shows of my childhood are playing nightly. Of course, in a world of streaming, you can usually watch most anything on demand, but I guess I'm still a little old-fashioned. There's still something special about a "show" that comes on the network, where you have to tune in to watch. And I'm sure that sense of nostalgia is why so many people re-watch those familiar episodes every single year.
One of those is the Peanuts special "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which originally aired on Dec. 9, 1965. But that program almost didn't air at all. The pivotal scene that stole the show was deemed too controversial and too "churchy" by network executives--even in 1965--because Peanuts creator and writer Charles Schulz insisted that they read the Christmas story straight from Luke's gospel. But Schulz was adamant that the scene be included.
You may remember the scene. As the gang is preparing for their local Christmas play, everyone gets mad at Charlie Brown for buying a sad little tree. Dejected, he says, "Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I don't know what Christmas is all about." And he cries out: "Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
Linus chimes in to answer: "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about." He then steps center stage and recites the Nativity story from Luke 2 —the story of the angels appearing before the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. And not only did the audience not tune out, that turned out to be the most memorable part of the show.
There’s a detail in that scene that I had never noticed until someone pointed it out on social media a few years back. As you might recall, Linus was the Peanuts character who always carried his blanket around with him. Some would call it his security blanket, but in reality, it didn't really symbolize security at all. That blanket was a symbol of his insecurity--his fears of uncertainty and inadequacy.
Anyway, in that scene Linus takes the stage with his ever-present blanket and begins to recite the story from the Bible.
"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…(Luke 2:9) And then, the message from the angel "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people."
Interestingly, just at the time when he gets to the part that says, "Fear not," Linus lets go of his blanket.
Whether that was a curious coincidence or a purposeful literary device, we will never know. But I think the sublime message was clear: that insignificant piece of cloth representing all of his insecurities suddenly becomes unnecessary in light of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so the blanket falls to the floor.
What a wonderful reminder for all of us. The blankets we carry aren’t nearly as conspicuous as Linus's, but ours exist nonetheless. The security blanket of needing status and money and possessions. Or needing a drink to make it through the day. Or needing to build yourself up by putting others down.
We carry these blankets with us because we think they will shield us from fear. But they never can, and they never do.
There’s only one way to escape fear — and that is to drop the blanket, once and for all, and decide that you will dare to trust in the power of Jesus Christ. He has promised to be with you always, and He has promised to see you through every uncertain moment. And His promise is worth the risk.
Linus shared with Charlie Brown the true meaning of Christmas: Because of this child born in Bethlehem — the one who came to bear our sorrows and take away our sins — you can drop the blanket and embrace God’s presence in your life. It's the perfect encapsulation of the message of Christmas. Because Jesus has come, we don't have to be afraid any more. "And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"
Here's praying that you and your family have a blessed Christmas. I am grateful for you, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
