December 24, 2024
The animated movie A Charlie Brown Christmas, based on Charles Schulz’ Peanuts comic strip, came out in 1965. It has been a family favorite ever since. It is one of the few Christmas TV specials that gives the actual reason we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.
If you’ve seen the movie, you know that Charlie Brown chose a spindly Christmas tree, and his friends ridiculed him when he brought it back. Charlie then had a crisis – cards, presents, Christmas plays, and trees haven’t helped him understand Christmas. He cries out for someone who knows what it’s all about. That’s when Charlie’s little friend, Linus, pipes up and says he can tell him what Christmas is about. Linus takes center stage, asks for the lights, and then begins reciting Luke 2:8-14 from memory.
I’ve seen the movie at least a dozen times, but a few years ago, my dad pointed out to me something I’d never noticed. As Linus recited the description of the angels appearing to the shepherds, he said, “ Fear not,” and at that point, Linus dropped his blanket. That was the blue blanket he continually clutched. Linus was never without his blanket – it symbolized his childishness and showed everyone he was insecure.
But at that moment, Linus stood in the spotlight before his peers. After whining that he couldn’t memorize his part from the Christmas play script, he dropped his security blanket and recited this passage from memory. In light of the truth of the birth of his Lord and Savior, he no longer needed the comfort and security that his blanket offered.
When Linus finished reciting the passage from Luke 2, he picked up his blanket, walked over to Charlie, and said, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Although he only released his blanket for a few moments, it was a moment that showed Charlie and the rest of us that the truth about Christmas is freeing and transforming.
Whether you are a Christian or not (some shipmates are and some aren’t), during this season where there are warmer-than-usual sentiments and cherished traditions, where we gather closely and see people we haven’t seen in a long time, it is my hope that you can make peace with those whom you’ve been in conflict with and find that inner peace and tranquility that seems so elusive.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to shipmates of the USS John C. Calhoun and their families.
Jim Bettison, Chaplain
John C. Calhoun Veterans Association