Who Will Be Linus for Christmas?

One of my favorite Christmas programs is "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I simply LOVE the Peanuts characters. In my opinion, Charles Schultz was a genius. With his characters, he depicts the variety of personalities we find in humans. 

Charlie Brown: The one who always expects the worst. Down in the dumps, glass half empty, nobody likes me, victim mentality person.

Lucy: The one who takes advantage of the weaker man. Puts others down to boost her own self-importance. Bossy. Rude. Ruthless.

Schroeder: The "too wrapped up in my own world" to pay attention or bother with whatever is going on around me sort of person.

Peppermint Patty: Bossy, like Lucy, but in a nicer sort of way. Very self-assured, but not necessarily with a humble spirit. A bit arrogant. 

Marcy: The epitome of idol worshiper. Whatever Peppermint Patty says is golden. Follower.

Sally: Lazy beanbag with the television on sort of person. Usually blames others (Charlie Brown) for her own failures. Just can't take personal responsibility for her mistakes!

Pigpen: Well...

Snoopy: A dog. But not really. He's an outdoor pet who fancies himself more human than some of the humans. My dog is a lot like him.

There are others, as well as...

Linus: Yes, then there is Linus. Sure, he has a security blanket. Who doesn't (figuratively speaking)? Linus is a tell it like it is, no nonsense, real sort of fellow. No cheap shots. No bitterness. No neediness. Just, well, himself. Rather refreshing, I'd say. I like to think of Linus as the sort of guy you'd want around in good times and in bad times. Stable. Really, the blanket is just a representation of what we hold on to in order to help make ourselves feel comfortable. Get over it. Go ahead, try and tell me you don't have a security blanket. I wouldn't believe you. 

Anyway, I got to thinking about the Peanuts characters and the Christmas season and wondering who I am most like during this time of year. In the program they are all running around focusing on the commercialism of Christmas. And Charlie Brown is depressed. It all seems so empty. So busy. So meaningless.

Then, Charlie Brown, at the end of his rope, cries out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus steps up to the plate. Matter-of-fact Linus say, "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

Then, he goes into his narration of the Christmas story, according to Luke:

"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."

Then, he turns to Charlie Brown and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

The entire atmosphere changes. Schroeder plays piano serenely in the background while Charlie Brown walks off with his pathetic Christmas tree. Suddenly, the air is full of meaning. 

Charlie Brown says, "Linus is right, I won't let all this commercialism ruin my Christmas..."

You know the rest. If you don't, get the movie. 

Every year I watch it. Every year I love it all over again. And I wonder, who will be Linus for Christmas this year? Will it be me? Will it be you?