The Reason Linus Drops His Blanket in A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas holds a special meaning

A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965. In later years, it began appearing on ABC and now can only be seen on Apple TV+. If you are not a subscriber, you can watch for free for a few days around December 25. It's not the same as when millions tuned in at the same time on CBS and ABC, but at least the holiday special can still be enjoyed.

CBS was uncertain about an animated program, and they also did not want Linus to read Luke chapter 2 from the Bible. CBS gave in to Charles Shultz; as they say, the rest is history. The Peanuts special was a hit and, for many years, the highest-rated holiday show.

Thanks to the Internet, we can now dissect the programs we grew up with and notice things we missed as children. In recent years, one issue that has come to light is the fact that Linus drops his blanket as he is quoting scripture.

The Reason for the season

Charlie Brown was perplexed by the commercialism of the holiday. In frustration, he shouts, "Is there anybody who can tell me the real meaning of Christmas?"

When Linus says, "Lights please," all is silent as the kids listen to what he has to say as he recites verses 8 through 14.

[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

[9] 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.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Fear Not

Just as Linus quotes the angels telling the shepherds to "Fear not," he lets go of his security blanket. Realizing this in hindsight now has Peanuts fans saying that when they watch this scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas, they get goosebumps and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Someone recently told me that people see what they want to see. As Charles Shultz did not explain why Linus dropped his blanket, we will not know for certain what the gesture means. Still, the following is a line of thinking that many agree upon.

Jesus must take center stage.

Nick Cady adds more revelation about A Charlie Brown Christmas by noting that after Charlie Brown asks if anyone can tell him what Christmas is all about, Linus takes center stage with all eyes upon him and a spotlight shining on him. Cady says this was Charles Shultz's method of saying Jesus should be alone in the spotlight.

The first Christmas Carols were hymns based on scripture and were focused on Christ. Silent Night. O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hark the Herald, and others all focus on Jesus and give Him the spotlight.

Linus has a drop-the-mic moment

Linus essentially has a drop-the-mic moment. Believers who attend churches where the Spirit of the Lord is strong often say the Holy Ghost dropped something in their own spirit or something quickened in their spirit.

Consider the moment when someone stands up and starts shouting or running through the congregation because they received a revelation. Did Charles Shultz insert this spirit quickening, aka drop the mic moment on purpose?

In the above video, the Peanuts gang is dancing in A Charlie Brown Christmas, but the song is nto the familiar Linus and Lucy. The backdrop is a preacher and praise break music.

May all who enjoy the spiritual meaning of the season be like Linus and the Peanuts gang and have a drop the mic, praise break, Holy Ghost moment each time we reflect on the miracle outlined in Luke chapter 2 that is celebrated on December 25.

Linus did pick up his security blanket from the floor, and some theologians suggest this represents how we all experience situations where we may pick up an old habit.

History tells us Jesus was nto born in winter, but the sentiment of and the principle behind Christmas Day and A Charlie Brown Christmas are what is important.