Since spending the last two Winter Breaks in Japan, I could care less about getting and even looking for present to give. What got me excited from the very beginning was the Christmas music, traditions and the like. One of the things that is included under that umbrella is Christmas specials. Although they have over time become gimmicky and perhaps not as good as they used to be, there are several I still enjoy
Rudolf is great, Here Comes Santa Claus is up there and of course the Grinch. They all get at some theme or essence of what Christmas is about. However, I will always have a special place for Charlie Brown's Christmas.
It's rather surprising because this 25 minute special wanders dismally and drearily at times beginning with the ironically mournful title track (Christmastime is Here). But out of this confusion and muddled mess that Charlie Brown finds himself wandering is perhaps one of the most clear depictions of this season. Like many people Charlie Brown realizes there is something special about this year. He just cannot quite pinpoint it. Linus acts as confidante when all the other children like Lucy and even his own dog Snoopy have bought into the superficiality. The materialism has taken precedent. A good thing has been slightly perverted and turned bad.
You would think the story would pick up at some point and it doesn't for a long time. Charlie Brown is the killjoy and butt of all the jokes. He receives all the ire from the other kids, because he has not bought in. They laugh at him. How can this story be redeemed; it's too far gone. Too depressing because these individuals seem poisoned by all the wrong reasons for Christmas.
It is Linus who pipes up and somehow drops a bombshell. A little unassuming gem from scripture:
"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 so 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find a 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 towards men." ~ Luke 2:8-14
In an instant the dreariness dissipates and new life is breathed into something that seems ruined and wrong. The shift is nearly instant and the whole tone of not only Charlie Brown, but of his friends, dog and this entire special lightens because of this Good News! It's for me as much as it is for the next person.
That's why it makes me sad when I hear about tragic death, injustice, the toppling of role models and individuals quarreling over the internet. Christians and non-Christians alike. We've all fallen short of the glory. That is the reality and it will continue to be. We all desperately need this message. Even if it is not a new one I desperately hope that each one of us can hear it with fresh ears every time whether it's a monologue by Linus or in a Christmas Carol or maybe during a Christmas Eve service.
This should fill each and everyone of us with immensely great joy! Get excited for what is coming. My prayer is that not just during this season but at all times we might have peace on earth and good will towards all men (even those who are difficult to love and even when we are difficult to love). The good news is that we have a God who has made all things news. Glory to God in the Highest.
Enjoy these upcoming weeks as we should but I hope that we all remain mindful of what is at the heart of Christmas. Surround yourself with at least one or two Linus-figures who will constantly point you back to what Christmas is all about.
All the Glory to Him and Merry Christmas again. Happiness and Cheer to all! Cue the music.
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