First Week of Advent_Friday, December 6, 2024

First Week of Advent: Friday, December 6, 2024

A Charlie Brown Christmas is unique among the classic TV Christmas Specials. It’s the only one that directly quotes the Bible and therefore the only one that communicates the true reason for the holiday. Others may allude to it, but only this particular TV Special puts it front and center. We can all be grateful for that!

In answer to Charlie Brown’s question, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus quotes the Gospel of Luke. In doing so he reminds us all that Christmas is centered on the good news that our Savior has been born.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is really a critique of the commercialism that has taken over Christmas. It’s a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas isn’t found in the cards, the lights, the trees, the presents, and all the other traditions that are part of our society’s celebration. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in those things, or in the other things that society tends to focus on, things like family, togetherness, and generosity. Those things are important, of course, but they aren’t the center of the holiday. Jesus is the center.

Keep Jesus at the center of Christmas and the spirit of happiness and joy will immediately follow. May it be so for all of us!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, cards, trees, wreaths, special foods, special music, gathering together with friends and family, and exchanging gifts are all great ways to give release to the happiness and joy that we feel when we hear yet again the message of the Christmas angels that our Savior has been born. Help us keep things straight so that we don’t exchange the reason for Christmas with its trappings. Amen.