Letting Go ... Of The Blanket
by Patty Kamahele, Administrative Assistant
There is a wonderful Christmas Peanuts animated TV special where Charlie cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!!!?”
His friend Linus replies, “Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” and proceeds to take center stage providing us with a touching reading from Luke 2:8-14
“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 sore 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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, good will toward men.’”
In the past I have heard an observation about Linus’ actions and was reminded of it again in a devotional I read recently. You may have heard it as well but it is a great reminder for us all. In these verses, when Linus gets to the words “Fear not,” he drops his blanket to the floor—the blanket that represented security, comfort, and peace to him. He lets go of the very thing he held so close and was always with him.
It made me ask myself, “What am I holding on to? What is taking the place of what Jesus wants to be for me? Those are good questions we can all ask ourselves.
No one, no thing, absolutely nothing in this world will provide the security, comfort, and peace of Jesus … the One who will always be with us. May we keep our eyes on Him this CHRISTmas and hold Him close as we celebrate His birth. And may we willing to let go of anything that is trying to take His rightful place in our lives …including our fears and worries. “Fear not … for our Savior is born.”
Prayer: Lord, may we experience You in a special way this Christmas. I know my life is so different from past ones, and I greatly miss spending it with the one I love. But I know You are with me always. Thank You for being that blanket I can wrap myself in to provide comfort, peace, and hope. May I never let go of You. In the Name of our loving Savior, Jesus … Who is Christ the Lord. Amen.
Please click on the link below and enjoy Linus’ rendering of Luke 2 for “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1odLOHFX7o
Share this with a friend.
