Latest Posts
That’s What Christmas is All About
When growing up we had numerous TV shows that would come on each year during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Even as a child, my two favorites were those that spoke about the true meaning of Christmas and not all the extra traditions that go along with it. My two favorites were “The Little Drummer Boy” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
If you are not familiar with Charlie Brown, he is the main character for whom everything goes wrong. In this particular show, he is depressed even though Christmas is coming. Lucy encourages him to direct a Christmas pageant in order to raise his spirits, but everyone makes fun of him or ignores his efforts. When he buys a scrawny Christmas tree, everyone is mad at him. His dog, Snoopy, is all caught up with winning the prize for the best-decorated house, and his other friends are busy writing letters to Santa. Toward the end, Charlie Brown blurts out in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus responds, “Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” Here is what he says:
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 Saviour, 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)
That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
This year, I read a post where the writer pointed out that in the middle of Linus’ recitation of the Christmas message, he dropped his security blanket. A security blanket is what a baby uses to comfort himself. It’s a sign that someone needs an outside source to help them to not be afraid. Guess when Linus dropped his blanket? Right in the middle, where the angel said “Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
The writer of the post believes that the creator of Charlie Brown did this on purpose, because it was a visual example that we have no need to fear because Jesus Christ has come to the earth to save us from our sins. I had never noticed that before.
This year, when so many people are living in fear, I encourage you with the reminder that the real meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came down from Heaven to dwell among us, to free us from fear, and to give us peace. Let us all focus on the real meaning of Christmas! Looking forward to spending 2022 with you.
Because of His Faithfulness,
Dr. Sharon Brobst, Director