We all have our favorite Christmas holiday movies and television shows. Since I was a child, my favorite was A Charlie Brown Christmas, which first aired in 1965. Back then, Mom would have to check the TV Guide to make sure we knew when this “special” (and back then, it really was a special occasion) would air, or we would miss it and have to wait an entire year to see it again. Today, the Boland family has Charlie Brown Christmas on DVD and we watch it any time we want, as often as we want—no longer a slave to network programming.
My absolute favorite scene is where Charlie Brown has just picked out a less than desirable Christmas tree for the play he is directing, and his friends let him know it by calling him a “completely hopeless.” In abject frustration, Charlie cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” To which Linus responds, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” and proceeds to declare the true Christmas story from sacred Scripture. If you’d like, you can click here and watch this lovely moment.
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: for, behold, I bring you good 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.” (Luke 2:8-14 KJV)
Linus concludes with these words, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Truer words were never spoken!
My prayer is that we all will remember the Christ of Christmas—not only on Christmas Day, but every day throughout the New Year.
Merry Christmas!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 