INSPIRATIONAL INSIGHTS

#33 – The Only “Security” We Need– November 1, 2024

               1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

               Well folks, Christmas is 55 days away and already I’m seeing stores selling Christmas decorations and items related to it.  All the preparations we go into for this special day, such as buying, wrapping, cooking, and invitations, are usually over and done with within a short period of time.  Unfortunately, many people miss the truth and “reason for the season”. 

               George told me a couple days ago that they are already showing “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” on TV.  It didn’t surprise me and I smiled because I know something about the movie that most of you don’t.  Many of you, back in December of 2021, remember that I wrote about this wonderful little movie because once I discovered what it was really all about, it touched my heart. 

               For you that weren’t receiving my articles back then I would like to repeat it again.  It doesn’t seem to be just for kids; it’s for adults too.  Watch the movie with your spouse, kids, or maybe even for movie night at your church.  Below is my article I wrote that shows that special moment.

Many times in our lives we’ve come upon a situation where we’ve asked, or suggested, for something we know is right.  Unfortunately we back down and walk away with our head hanging down when we’re told, “No.  You can’t do that.  [We] won’t allow it”.

               Seems that today’s society has increased in that aspect.  The things we know that are right to do have been pushed aside.  Evil has overcome the good in ways that we would never have anticipated. 

We fail to stand firm in our faith and our ability to right a wrong.  We simply turn tail and walk away. 

               The great little Christmas movie that first aired in 1965 called “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” is watched every year by millions of children.  It’s an animated movie that many adults should watch because there’s a beautiful moment in that movie that has been hidden in plain sight for over 50 years.

               First of all, Charles Shultz was first asked to make a Charlie Brown Christmas movie.  He agreed but insisted that the Christmas story of Luke 2:8-14 be included in the movie.  At first the producers strongly opposed the idea.  They said no, because they thought that it would never be accepted by the public.  Shultz stood strong and determined and, as a result, the movie became a reality.

               Poor Charlie Brown was frustrated with the commercial aspect of Christmas and wanted more of the “Spirit” of Christmas celebrated for him and all his friends to share together.  He wanted it simple but beautiful in carrying out the reason for the season. 

               We all know about the puny little tree he brought to the group and they all laughed at him.  Charlie decorated it anyway and the group eventually got together to celebrate.

               Then there was Linus.  The compassionate, blanket-clutching philosopher always has a kind word for everybody, even for his bossy older sister, Lucy.  Linus is often the voice of reason in the neighborhood and believes firmly in the Great Pumpkin.  One of his greatest quotes was from his disappointment when the Great Pumpkin didn’t show up; “I was a victim of false doctrine”.

               Linus’ blanket was his security and refused to voluntarily give it up regardless of any situation… except once.

               Shultz had a secret hidden in the movie that should be remembered by everyone.  As they were all gathered together, beside the scraggly tree, someone asked, “What’s Christmas all about”? 

Linus proudly stands and quotes the scripture of Luke 2:8-14.  But, when Linus says “fear not”, he “voluntarily” drops his blanket.  Then as the group sings “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, Linus lays his blanket around the base of the tree, leaves it there…and walks away.

               It’s pretty clear what Schultz was insinuating and I am convinced that is was intentional.

               You see, the only security we need is the security when Christ enters our hearts and minds.  We need not fear because now we have a Savior that can make all those things we cling tightly to seem so insignificant. 

The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.  We need to leave it at the foot of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed (secured) for the day of redemption.”

There are things we read in the Bible, but we miss the message it tries to convey to us.  These scriptures are meant for a reason and by reading them several times we will eventually see the true realization of what they are portraying to us…for our benefit.

Watch this movie by yourself, or with your children and grandchildren and tell them to pay close attention when Linus drops his blanket.  Afterward explain to them the meaning that Charles Shultz wanted to express so delicately. 

Are you secure in your faith and able to stand firm in the face of rejection?  If not, open your heart and mind this Christmas to the security of knowing Christ as your Savior.

There is no greater gift!

Nancy Stoppe                     

Stoppe123@comcast.net

 (Jenner Township Baptist Church, Boswell, PA 15531)

Blog – inspirationalinsights6.com

            (inspirational insights 6 .com)