Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Merry Christmas! It did not go as planned, which is my statement for the year. I will tell you more about it tomorrow.

The kids are watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. There are quite a few bible references. I recognize them now. Almost three years ago, we started attending a church that goes through the bible cover to cover. Besides Jesus, reading the bible is the best Christmas present for a happy, peaceful life.

What is the meaning of Christmas? Santa? Presents? Giving? Time with family? Cards? Cookies? Who has the best family picture on their card? Lights? Trees? Decorations? Candy Canes? Parties? Ugly sweaters? Hallmark movies? I love all of these things! But…

Jesus is the reason for the season. It can get lost in all the other stuff, and sometimes we need to remember the “Christ” in Christmas.

Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: “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:”
[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]
Linus Van Pelt: “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.'” 
Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”
–Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)