However, my favorite Christmas animated classic is The Charlie Brown Christmas. Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and the entire gang attempt to put together a Christmas production centered around a weak, little, gangly tree. As the character’s frustrations rise Linus courageously stops the commotion, gets everyone’s attention and shares a simple yet heartfelt summary of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. The story moves from chaos, self-centeredness, and frustration to unity, gratitude and worship. All of that in a kid’s animated show. Charles Schulz has given us a timeless animated classic with a focus on true joy and peace found in Christ alone.
I am proud of Linus. He is not an upfront, grab the limelight, attention seeking guy, but rather quiet and unassuming with his security blanket held tight. Yet, when needed, it is Linus who steps forward, takes a risk, and leads with truth, wisdom and direction. We all need a Linus in our daily lives at work, school, home, and community. Sometimes we sit across a table from a Linus as we share our frustrations over hot vanilla latte’, or talking on the phone, sharing lunch at work, hangin’ out after class, and even posting some thoughtful message on Facebook. Maybe you are a Linus.
Maybe there’s a little bit of Linus in all of us. When we have opportunities to share truth, wisdom and direction we can act courageously, step forward and lead. We then become God’s vessel for his message of hope, peace, love and joy to others. I think Charles Schulz had a little Linus in him as well, for when he presented The Charlie Brown Christmas to the network executives, he had to courageously stand firm to include Linus’s speech and the worshipful hymn at the conclusion. I am glad he did.
The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
Proverbs 10:21
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