Thursday, December 16, 2004

Christmas...according to Charlie Brown

It’s Christmas time once again. And one very important tradition with me is watching the 2nd greatest Christmas cartoon ever made, A Charlie Brown Christmas (of course, #1 is the Grinch - hands down!). I have to be a meeting tonight, but IT WILL BE RECORDED - and no, last years recording WILL NOTE DO!! It must be fresh!

Christmas really is a time to enjoy and party with what God has given to us. Jesus Christ came for you and for me. Christmas is the time when we wrap our hands, heads and hearts around the amazing gift of Christ to us.
In the midst of all the trappings that accompany this time of year, it is very easy to miss the real reason of all the celebration. Let me quote one of my favorite philosophers, Linus Van Pelt. In this Christmas special, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmas time, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. He finds his answer in Linus’ famous soliloquy (quoting Luke 2 - KJV):

"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 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."
"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, and good will toward men."
"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

meet_linus
That IS what Christmas is all about. Hold on tight to Him these days! Don't let anything rob you of your joy.

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