“Linus is right. I won’t let all this commercialism ruin my Christmas” –Charlie Brown
My family knows I’m a big fan of the Charlie Brown Christmas special. It has become a tradition to sit and watch it with grandkids each year. They enjoy it as well–mostly giggling at Snoopy’s antics. This year I even bought myself the hardcover book edition of the story. I became even more of a fan years ago when I learned of the significance of Linus dropping his security blanket while quoting the Scripture that begins, “Fear not!” No need for a security blanket when our security is in Jesus! And to add to the enjoyment, you can’t beat that spirited music by the Vince Guaraldi Trio that seamlessly strings together each animated scene.
We’ve all heard that Biblical account of the Christmas story. You know–Linus’ big speech taken from Luke 2, meant to explain to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. But let’s really think about this entire story. A virgin had a baby. A virgin. Right there is a sticking point for many people. That is humanly impossible, right? And this baby is the Son of God. Another sticking point. Jesus was a great person and his teachings are profound. But the Son of God? And then this child grew to be a man and eventually was killed by religious leaders who considered him a blasphemous threat to their establishment. But he came back to life? Yet another hurdle for people. But I believe ALL of this. And I believe Jesus is currently sitting at the right hand of God and is praying for us, knows us and loves us.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1) I believe in the story of Christmas because my faith has proven to give me hope, guidance and peace. I believed as a young child before I was able to refute such things. But as I have grown older, I’ve learned more and more facts that support my beliefs. Indeed, not believing in the supernatural birth and resurrection of Jesus takes just as much “faith”, given all the evidence and the Biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled. I believe Jesus will return one day soon to sweep his “bride” (the body of believers) off their feet and we will spend eternity in heaven. I can’t explain it all. I can’t understand it all because I do not have the mind of God. But I do have the Spirit of God within me. I have learned over the years to hear His voice, to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to realize at a deeper level the miracle I am privileged to be part of. This miracle I celebrate at Christmas and then the miracle I will celebrate on Resurrection Day.
If Christmas to you is just a whimsical story about a legendary character, no different from Santa Claus really, then I challenge you to take some time to earnestly ponder how this event in history changed the world. Having a relationship with Christ requires a step of faith that is more than just flippantly or nonchalantly believing the stories we tell during these religious holidays. It requires something deeper and more personal. This personal relationship begins when we make it just that–personal. Dear reader, do you understand that God almighty became man, born as a babe in a manger, because He sees you and loves you and wants to save you from sin and death? He invites you to take a step of faith that is full of conviction and accompanied by the humble confession of our sinfulness and need for a Savior. “And without faith it is impossible to please God..” (Hebrews 11:6) I recently started reading about the origins of Christmas celebrations and in the process I was reminded that the entire history of the world revolves around Christ’s birth–BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, meaning “in the year of our Lord”). He changed the world. He changed me. He can change you. Linus knew what he was talking about. And I think Charlie was starting to get it when he attempted to “save” that little tree that was ultimately redeemed in all its glory by his friends. We are like that little tree, folks. We are in need of a Savior who will forgive our shortcomings and clothe us in beauty, presenting us spotless before the throne of God.
Merry Christmas, readers. I appreciate you. If you haven’t watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in a while, I encourage you to do so. It’s one of the good ones. And would you do me a favor this holiday season and pass along a link to my blog to a friend who may appreciate it? Thanks so much!
By the way, if you watch the Charlie Brown special, the thing I laugh at most is when they sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” at the end. I think it’s so funny when they all take breaths together and open their mouths so big you can’t see the rest of their faces. Glory to the Newborn King!
