Linus & ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
As a boy, I loved watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on TV – back when you had one shot or miss out for a whole year. Now, of course, you could stream it every day if you wanted.
My favorite scene is when Linus courageously takes the stage, as plans for the Christmas play are falling apart, to share the true meaning of Christmas.
The story goes that CBS-TV producers planned to exclude Linus’ Christmas story from the show’s premiere 55 years ago because it was too religious. But Shultz refused: “No Christmas story, no Peanuts special.” CBS backed down and the rest is history. It’s a perfect example of Faith Over Fear for us all to remember during this most wonderful time of the year.
Blessed to be a Blessing,
Greg Syfan,
President, Syfan Logistics
Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus: “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
(Linus walks to center stage).
“Lights, please.”
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 so 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.”
(At this point in the story, Linus symbolically drops his trusted security blanket).
“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 and good will toward men.”
(Linus picks up his blanket and shuffles off the stage to his friend, Charlie Brown.)
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Recited from the Book of Luke, Chapter 2:8-14