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Linus the Prophet
By Riverboat in Flotsam and Jetsam
December 25, 2009

The Christmas Eve editorial for the Victoria Advocate was probably the best ever. But, of course, it was largely written by four other writers by the name of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. That is certainly no slight to the editor who knows a good story when he sees one.

The Infancy Narratives were introduced by Linus in response to his exasperated round-headed friend, who cried, "Does anybody know what Christmas is all about?!"

Linus strides to center stage and softly responds, "I know what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

What many people don't know is how this response made it into "A Charlie Brown Christmas," one of our nation's most-beloved holiday specials.

According to Bill Melendez, one of the men responsible for turning Charlie Brown into a moving figure, "When I first looked at that part of the story, I told Sparky (Charles Schulz), 'We can't do this. It's too religious.'" Charles Schulz responded, "If we don't do it, who else can? We're the only ones who can do it."

The creator of the Peanuts gang and his beloved special was adamant. The scene remained as written.