Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

In 1965, the cartoon movie A Charlie Brown Christmas was released. The over all gist of the movie is that Charlie Brown begins to complain about the overwhelming materialism that he sees and is having trouble trying to figure out what Christmas is supposed to be all about. His friend Lucy suggests that he become the director of the school Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, it makes Charlie Brown’s problem worse.

The story comes to a head when Charlie Brown says to Linus, “Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about.” Then he shouts in desperation “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Happily Linus says “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” Then gives a speech that starts with a quote from the Book of Luke.

“‘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 unto 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.’ THAT’S what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Sometimes we need to be reminded of what Christmas is all about, just like Charlie Brown. Try not to get caught up in the frustrations that can easily come this time of year, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. He was born to die, so that we can live in Him.