❤️ “In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters. He agreed with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus. Although the stations executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent. As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and heard the story of Jesus and “what Christmas is all about.”
It wasn’t until a few years back that I realized a “hidden message” in the film. Linus, a child who seems to have some insecurities as he carries a security blanket with him at all times. In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once....
While sharing the message of “what Christmas is all about,” Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, “fear not!”
In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. We are to “fear not”, for Jesus is born. We needn’t rely on material things for security, we have God with us, “Immanuel”, (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - the true meaning of Christmas.
Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong. Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he “drops” it again later...
Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, wooden tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap about the base of the tree and says, “Maybe it just needs a little love”. In that moment, the tree “awakens”, stands tall and firm. A reminder that no matter who we are, how many mistakes we’ve made, a “little love” can make all the difference.
Let’s strive to “fear not” (Luke 2:10) and “love one another” (John 13:34), not just at Christmastime, but the whole year through.” ❤️
Credit: Kevin Pentland
@beefandenergy Thank you, Bryan. Appreciate the kind words and the support you've given me over the years, going all the way back to those early days at Farm Bureau! Thanks for continuing to lead through innovation and perseverance and always with a positive attitude.
Working with farmers has always been a blessing, from time as a farm kid baling hay and walking beans for dad to a fulfilling communications career now spanning 28 years. Looking forward to new and expanded role with ISA! https://t.co/R6RYhMQpqe
Leaders "get comfortable being uncomfortable," says Mary Ann Fox. Enjoy my conversation with the @iowaffa state officer, @IowaStateFair queen and @IowaStateU student in the latest edition of Around the Bend. Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! — Putze Ink
@JoyNealKidney Thank you, Joy! It was so much fun to author Chuck's story. A great player and an even better person. Thanks for your good work as an author and sharing your amazing talents with others!
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@ComClassic 2023 a great success! Big-time attendance, terrific networking and a reminder of the power of U.S. soy and the global reach of U.S. Agriculture. Houston, here we come! @ussoy
@KWhiteStA @CentralLyon@PellaChristian That's really cool. Watched it three times; had my children watch it, too. Thanks for sharing. Best thing I've seen on Twitter in a long while.
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