“What’s your security blanket?”

[TERRIBLE photo as I wasn’t going to flash in this environment and 1/5" is a lonnnggg time to hand-hold a camera, but this had to be today’s post. I could have bumped up the ISO, but not sure how much of a difference that would have made.]

Gary’s homily/sermon tonight referred to Charles M. Schulz’s “Great Philosopher,” Linus, in the Christmas classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This past week Gary became aware of something that was new-to-me. Perhaps you recall one of the best parts of the show,

Charlie Brown: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Linus Van Pelt: “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: “Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: “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.’

» [Linus drops his security blanket]

Linus Van Pelt: “‘for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, 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.’”
Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back to Charlie Brown] “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Had you noticed that Linus drops his blanket at the words, “Fear not”? I hadn’t. Wow…

There are several things online about this, but this is the posting I saw, http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/just-drop-the-blanket-the-moment-you-never-noticed-in-a-charlie-brown-christmas.html

1 year ago (“Christmas Eve with Raymond & Jeanne”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-12-24
2 years ago (“Chemical magic”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-12-24
3 years ago (“Special events. Special days. Special dinners.”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-12-24
4 years ago (“Christmas Eve with best friends”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-12-24

[ IMG_7857S1125x750Atm :: f/5.6 :: 1/5" :: ISO-1600 :: 55mm ]

[Jane Anderson]

Very interesting photo and homily! I had never noticed that about Linus either. In the current-day media, I sense so much fear (probably to elicit votes), but what kind of life is it to live in fear? It's my desire not to succumb.

[Danette Thompson]

Sounds look a good sermon. I bump my ISO to 3200 when at church. Still, a faster lens helps tremendously.

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette I had the same f-stop and ISO as your "sermon" tag, but the only lens I had was the 18-55mm zoom. Sigh. The 60mm f/2.8 macro would have provided a better result, but the zoom is so much more versatile and we'd been gone all day. :-\
With degrees in philosophy and theology, he's a very, very good speaker/preacher!

[Danette Thompson]

We also have a lot of variable lighting. So, what works well for one photo, doesn't work the next second. At least you have a great memory of the sermon!