Linus Speech

I love to read books and I even love reading to the kids and now the grandkids. One of my favorite books and also TV specials is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The book my wife found at the thrift store, is one of those that have the buttons that you push at different times of the book when the picture appears in the story. The book and the special for those who don't know goes like this;

"Schulz's main goal for a Peanuts-based Christmas special was to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. He desired to juxtapose this theme with interspersed shots of snow and ice-skating, perhaps inspired by his own childhood growing up in St Paul, Minnesota. He also created the idea for the school play, and mixing jazz with traditional Christmas carols. Schulz was adamant about Linus' reading of the Bible, despite Mendelson and Melendez's concerns that religion was a controversial topic, especially on television. Melendez recalled Schulz turned to him and remarked, "If we don't do it, who will?". Schulz's estimation proved accurate, and in the 1960s, fewer than 9 percent of television Christmas episodes contained a substantive reference to religion, according to university researcher Stephen Lind. It could also be worth potentially noting that there is a possibility that someone might have arguably presented the idea that there was a chance that something may have suggested the idea that maybe Linus's recitation of Scripture was incorporated in such a way that it forms the climax of the film, thus making it impossible to successfully edit out. Schulz's faith in the Bible stemmed from his Midwest background and religious and historical studies; as such, aspects of religion would be a topic of study throughout his life" 

When Gabriel came to Mary and Joseph to announce the birth of Jesus, the world was in turmoil, with kings being "fat" off of the people, the "religious" leaders "fat" off of their "flocks" and people looking to overthrow all of them. Many call the time prior to this, the silent years of God, but I never believe God is ever silent or not working, it's that we stop listening and living our lives for our wants and have no need or belief of God. Schultz said, "If we don't, who will?"  If we who have the hope that lies within us as Peter Says, why are we silent or allow the world and man to keep us silent. Christmas is more than a holiday, of gifts being exchanged, or parties to "celebrate" a man in a suit, but it’s about Jesus, but sadly most people don't think twice about Him the rest of the year. 

As I read the story to my grandson , he listened as I read, waiting to push the buttons to hear the music or the words spoken. The story is about Charlie Brown not getting the Christmas spirit and doesn't understand the true meaning of Christmas. Lucy make him director of the Christmas play at the school and as usual Charlie Brown gets no respect, so him and Linus go to find a tree, to hopefully save his role as director and make the play a success, which ends up being a bigger disaster. As everyone is making fun of his tree, Linus, go to the center of the stage and my grandson pushed the Linus button and Luke Two came out saying, 

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)

Linus turns and says, "That is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." My grandson was excited and happy that we read the book, and we placed it back by our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. 

I have seen and read over the years, people saying "keep Christ in Christmas", Jesus is the reason for the season, and though these things are true, I believe Jesus is and should not only be for a season, or for "Christmas," but for all of our days. Jesus tells the people in Luke Nine, after feeding the two different sets of groups (One Jewish and the other Gentiles, in case you didn't know) 

And He said to ALL, “If ANYONE would come after Me, let him DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (ESV)(Emphasis Added)

The people were following Jesus for the food and the miracles, and when read in conjunction with the other gospels, you see that Jesus is telling them, it's a daily thing to be my disciple. You aren't to only claim you're a "Christian"  just when the crowds are watching, at church, during a "season", when being fed, healed, or only during good times, but at all times and with each day. Charlie Brown thought Christmas to be more than just commercialism and nothing has changed since Jesus first came until when He comes again. People are always hungry, poor, fighting, looking for power, wealth, healings, and we will look everywhere, except to the One who can provide, peace thru the storms, thru the good, but also, more importantly give us eternal life. Jesus isn't and shouldn't be confined to a "season" He is so much more than that. A simple message from a Savior who gave His life for all. A simple message told thru cartoons for generations to see and hear every year, even though the TV station originally didn't want it done, but like Mr Schultz wasn't silent, neither should we be. Let’s be like Linus and stand up and proclaim daily that Christ the Savior is alive!" Jose Barajas