Charlie Brown Christmas

We all grew up watching the classic Christmas specials, Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and so on. My favorite though was always Charlie Brown. I don’t think I really knew why it was my favorite then and I can’t say for certain that I know now. I am pretty sure it has to with the scene where Linus answers Charlie Brown’s question “isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about” (you can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA). Linus recites a passage from the Gospel according to Luke that is so simple and yet so powerful. To this day it still inspires me.

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.

I have three kids and I get the feeling I am not doing a very good job at setting the right example of what Christmas is supposed to be all about. I try to explain to my kids that Christmas is a time to think of others and not just themselves. I try to teach them that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I try to teach them that Christmas is a time to enjoy being with friends and family. Instead things tend to gravitate towards Christmas lists and Santa Claus. My wife and I try to make a concerted effort not to spoil our kids on Christmas, we do our best not to go overboard with presents. That said, we ultimately fail end up trying to make them happy with material things. It is no wonder why so many people feel empty after Christmas is over. We celebrate the wrong things. I am guilty of this.

I pray this Christmas season I can at the very least begin to help my kids to understand what Christmas is really is about. To be honest I can’t say for sure that I truly know but I’ve got a pretty good idea that it has more than a little to do with Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

BDP