From the 1965 animated TV special, \u201cA Charlie Brown Christmas,\u201d based on the comic strip Peanuts, there’s a great message thanks to Charles M. Schulz…<\/p>\n
The 25 minute special begins with the Peanuts<\/i> gang skating on the pond together, singing gleefully \u201cChristmas Time Is Here.\u201d Yet Charlie Brown has little joy in the moment \u2014 instead, seemingly disturbed and depressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He tells his buddy Linus he\u2019s not sure as to why, to which Linus casually dismisses Charlie\u2019s perceived typical attitude, quoting their friend Lucy: “Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you’re the Charlie Browniest.”<\/i><\/p>\n As the special continues, so does Charlie\u2019s depression. He seems increasingly disturbed at all the commercialism around him\u2026 the focus on the money\u2026 the focus on gifts\u2026 cards\u2026 Santa\u2026 even the focus on a Christmas decor lighting contest (congrats, Snoopy).\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Charlie wanders, wondering if we really understand the meaning of the season \u2014 and all the things that potentially get in the way\u2026 that is, unless we are intentional in our pause, recognizing why we share in the happiness of the holidays, the greetings of the season, and the available peace, even when life isn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n Finally near the show\u2019s end, cumulating in a Christmas play in which the gang is dancing with great joy once again, Charlie Brown cries out:<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?!\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n To which his pal Linus, humbly, sincerely answers once more\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?<\/i><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And the angel said unto them, \u2018Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, \u2018Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n That\u2019s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n Merry Christmas, friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Amidst all the joy and cheer \u2014 even and maybe especially, on the days when it is not the actual holiday \u2014 may we remember and be encouraged by what Christmas is all about.<\/p>\n Blessings\u2026 always\u2026<\/p>\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From the 1965 animated TV special, \u201cA Charlie Brown Christmas,\u201d based on the comic strip Peanuts, there’s a great message thanks to Charles M. Schulz… The 25 minute special begins with the Peanuts gang skating on the pond together, singing gleefully \u201cChristmas Time Is Here.\u201d Yet Charlie Brown has little joy in the moment \u2014 … <\/p>\n