I stopped watching Christmas television specials long ago because they usually had nothing to do with Christmas. I stopped listening to radio stations playing Christmas music for a month or more because the songs they played usually had nothing to do with Christmas. But last night I was overjoyed to see one more time, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
I think this program made its debut in 1965. The story was the familiar one - poor Charlie Brown can't seem to get the meaning of Christmas. He's certain that the commercialism of the season is not the reason to celebrate. He's puzzled that his friends don't share his same concern. And when he picks the one real Christmas tree in the whole lot and brings it to rehearsal, his friends let him know, in no uncertain terms, that he's failed again.
With Charlie on the edge of utter despair, it's Linus to the rescue. Walking softly to the center of the stage, he recites the Christmas story from St. Luke, chapter two..."For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Then he walks back to Charlie and says simply: "That's the meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown."
That's the moment when the tears trickled down my face (Yeah, I know - I'm a baby!). That's the news that never fails to warm my heart and cause every problem I'm dealing with to melt away. For me is born a Savior! For me! God loves me dearly! Loves even me enough to send His only begotten Son to save me from sin and death and give me the greatest gift I'll ever receive - eternal life in heaven!
On Facebook I've been reading how some folks love "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," or "Frosty the Snowman," or "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Sorry! I'm having a Charlie Brown Christmas this year. The meaning of Christmas is found in a manger in Bethlehem. Born there is forgiveness for sins, power for daily living and the hope of eternal life. Christmas is about Christ Jesus - nothing more and nothing less. Praise the Lord!
