My wife and I took two of our grandkids the the Arizona Broadway Theatre last Saturday for their morning performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. We learned that they had never watched the television classic so this seemed the perfect time to introduce the grandkids to Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the lovable cast of characters.
The climax of the program is when Linus recites the Christmas story from Luke, chapter two. And true to the original program, Linus once again took center stage.
The character began with verse eight: and they were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
But then, disappointment. Verse 10: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Then the speaker jumped to verse 13: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And so, what was left out? Only the most important part of the angel's announcement, verses 11 and 12:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
Was this another example of our "woke" society that that worships at the great gods of "Me, myself and I?" Were the producers afraid of offending someone who only sees Christmas as a time for gifts and parties and not for giving God thanks for the greatest gift of all?
Why are people so afraid of Jesus? He is the Savior that people need. He takes our sins and pays for them at the cross. He rescues us from death and gives eternal life. Only He can offer a lasting peace.
In the end this gave us a teaching moment for our grandkids. Their parents love and worship Jesus and the children are being raised to do the same. But the day was a bit of a disappointment for me. I wasn't expecting an Almost Charlie Brown Christmas.
