Merry Christmas

If you know anything about me; you know I love this time of year. I love all of the trappings of the Christmas season -the music, the movies, the decorations - the candy and food - the family time, etc.

What I love most of all is depicted in the simplicity of Linus on stage reciting the story of Christmas in the classic moves A Charlie Brown Christmas...

Charlie Brown: “Isn't there ANYONE who knows what Christmas is all about?!?!

Linus: "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

Linus: “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 Savior, 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.’ ” (Luke 2:8-14)“You see, Charlie Brown—that’s what Christmas is all about.”

In 1965, Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS. When it was time to review the script, CBS executives and producers said it was “way too religious for a secular audience.” The brass advised cutting Linus’ monologue from Luke 2 and other biblical/Christian references, but Schulz insisted that they stay in. The brass said the characters should be voiced by adult actors, but Schulz insisted on actual children. The brass wanted to add a laugh track, but Schulz insisted on a simple combination of piano music and silence behind the voices. The brass eventually acquiesced and agreed to air the special as Schulz had conceived it, but CBS braced for a flop and prepared to write off their losses. What happened? America embraced A Charlie Brown Christmas. It struck a chord in the heart and soul of the nation.

That simple message of the love of God for His children still strikes a chord in my heart and it is my prayer for you this Christmas season - that you may join with me and Linus in beholding, rejoicing and comprehending the true meaning of the season.

Hope to see you at one of our 4 services this weekend -December 24th at 6pm and 8pm and December 25th at 9a and 11a(these services are at the top of my most favored moments during Christmas - receiving communion and singing Silent Night in the glow of the lit candles that remind us that the Light of the world has come in the person of Jesus)

Pastor Rich