First Week of Advent_Thursday, December 5, 2024

First Week of Advent: Thursday, December 5, 2024

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown is searching for happiness. He knows it is the holiday season and that he should be happy, but he isn’t. Because he is looking for Christmas in its trappings, there is no happiness to be found. Many people make the same mistake.

At one point in the TV special Charlie Brown cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Linus answers, “Sure Charlie Brown.” He then goes out onto the stage, asks for a spot light, and then quotes from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke:

“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke 2:8–14 (KJV).

That, indeed, is the reason for the season. It’s also, as the angel told the shepherds, “good tides of great joy…for all people.” Linus showed Charlie Brown the real meaning of Christmas where happiness is found.

Prayer: Dear Lord, the holiday season is a happy season, or at least it’s supposed to be if I keep my eyes on the true meaning of Christmas. Help to do just that. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.