Special Feature
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Sometimes, we may wonder what Christmas is all about. Can we find the answer in a cartoon? Christmas is about a lot of good things. But, too often, we bring baggage with us into the holiday season. The fears and insecurities we carry weigh heavier on us during what is supposed to be a festive time. Just as they do with Charlie Brown.
We Are All Charlie Brown. In the story A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schultz, things don’t go well for the young hero, leading him to the conclusion that, “Everything I do turns into a disaster!” He mutters as we do sometimes, “I think there must be something wrong with me.” We desperately search for the meaning of the season. So, we cry out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
What Christmas is All About. Linus provides the answer. Yes, Linus, the one with the security blanket that never leaves his hand. However, this time Linus drops his blanket while speaking. It happens as he stands boldly on stage and tells the story of what Christmas is all about: “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not …, [Linus lets go of his blanket] … for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will 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.”
A gentle story softly told. Yes, about a baby, but a baby the angels proclaimed. One who brings hope to all people. A Savior, who is Christ the Lord. At times, we are all Charlie Brown, living in fear of disasters, real or imagined. But we are also Linus. We may sometimes need a blanket to lessen our insecurities. But, if we listen, we can hear the holy command to, “Fear not!” And, at least for a while, we can let go of our blanket as well. Because we are designed for more than a life of worry. We have a God who is more powerful than that, one who cares so much for us that he sent his Son to earth to show us his love. As Linus concludes, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
-Steve C. Ward
Executive Director, STEPS Ministries
Author of STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life
STEPS Ministries provides speaking, training, and online content to help people improve their lives, grow closer to God, and prevent addiction. Visit www.LifeImprovementSteps.com or contact Steve Ward at [email protected].
