"Good grief," Linus says to Lucy after she asks him to recite lines about Jerusalem, the wise men and Rachel for a Christmas program.
"This is going to take research," he says.
Children called upon the wisdom of Linus from the late Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip to reflect on the holiday's meaning Thursday at First Methodist Church in Santa Rosa.
The lights dimmed, a spotlight clicked on, then Linus, Lucy, Sally and, of course, Charlie Brown acted out scenes from Schultz's reflections on Christmas. The actors, ages 8 to 10, were framed by a black square on the sanctuary's stage, as if within a comic strip.
"Christmas is not only getting too commercial, it's getting dangerous," said Linus, played by 10-year-old Chandler Garrison.
The Christmas Eve skits were a way to have the children teach the congregation about the holiday's message, said Greg Bergquist, a senior pastor at the church.
"Sometimes when we talk about religious stuff we get lost in the details," Bergquist said. "The stories point to something deeper."
"They're universal issues kids face," said Lisa Sereni, whose daughter, Marian, 8, played Sally. "What does generosity really mean? What does love mean?"
Church volunteers got permission from Schulz's wife, Jean Schulz, to recreate the strips for the service.
In one of the scenes, Linus tells Charlie Brown to give his love interest Violet a card for Christmas instead of expensive gloves.
"Well, Linus, I just saved a dollar," recited 9-year-old Sam White, who played Charlie Brown.
Before the play began, the kids reflected on the meaning of their characters.
"Linus likes to help Charlie Brown and he's afraid of his sister Lucy," Chandler said.
Lucy's focus on gifts and distrust that Linus can handle his lines for the Christmas program played a key role in the day's messages.
"Linus thinks it's about Christ being born," Chandler said. "Lucy thinks it's all about presents."
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