Security Blankets
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. – Luke 2:8-12
Friends,
Several years ago, I read an article written by Jason Soroski about the Christmas special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (https://jasonsoroski.net/2015/12/03/just-drop-the-blanket/)
In the article, Mr. Soroski highlights Linus and his security blanket. You remember that Linus carries the blanket in the Peanuts cartoons.
Mr. Soroski notes that throughout the special, some of the characters try to force Linus to give up the blanket. In the beginning, Snoopy, the dog, spins Linus around with the security blanket. Linus’ sister Lucy does not want him to use the blanket in the pageant and tells him to get rid of the security blanket.
But Linus keeps his security blanket.
Charlie Brown is selected to direct the Christmas Pageant. Things start to get out of hand. Finally, Charlie Brown cries out, “Can anyone tell me what Christmas is about?” Linus responds, “Sure Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is about. Linus then recites Luke 2:8-12.
As a child, I loved that scene. The words were spoken so crisp and clear. One time I even recorded the scene on my audio cassette recorder so I could listen to the words again and again. Now I just push a button on any of my electronic devices and I can watch the scene again and again.
Mr. Soroski notices a curious thing about the speech.
Linus drop his security blanket to the ground when he speaks the Angel’s words “Fear not!”
Mr. Soroski theorizes that the reason Linus drops the blanket is that Charles Schulz, the author and writer of Peanuts cartoons, wanted to show that the birth of Christ “separates us from our fears”.
I like Mr. Soroski’s insight.
Jesus separates from our fears.
Jesus is our true security.
May you have a blessed Christmas!
Peace
Ricky Adams
Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church
Mill Valley, California