A Charlie Brown Christmas

Last night, we all watched the 40th anniversary showing of the Peanut's classic cartoon, A Charlie Brown Christmas. It is amazing to me how much the message of the show of 'what is the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of its over-commercialization in our society' still holds true today. Perhaps even more so.

When I watched the show when I was a kid, I didn't even recognize that there were religious overtones to the story. I honestly can't believe; based upon how references to Christmas are being removed from the holiday today, that the cartoon actually aired on network television. I guess that I have become hyper-sensitive to the fact that the anti-Christmas people have become so powerful. Even while their numbers are probably a lot less today than forty years ago.

Here is the text from Luke 2:8-14 (KJV) that Linus recited on stage as to the reason for the season:

"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."

Merry Christmas!