Rev. Ross Morrison
Special to The Guardian
When I was growing up, one of my favorite Christmas television programs was “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
This story was written by Charles M. Schulz (1922-2000) and was his first animated TV feature.
In the program, Charlie Brown is having a difficult time with Christmas. Everyone, even his little sister, seems to be caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. Charlie Brown is depressed and is counseled to “get involved in the Christmas play” so that he might enjoy the season. However, getting involved with the Christmas play only adds to his confusion and misery.
Finally, he cries out in despair, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” first appeared way back in 1965 but in some ways, things have remained the same. People are still confused about Christmas. Some years ago, I was watching a talk show. The host questioned the young professionals about what Christmas meant to them.
One woman said that it was a day off from work. She viewed Christmas as a holiday. Most people enjoy a holiday in Canada during Christmas. Workers and students need rest and relaxation. It is great to have a holiday but is that what Christmas is all about?
Another person said that Christmas was about getting together as a family. Christmas is a time of year when many people travel. University students look forward to getting home to be with their families. Grandparents anticipate spending time with their grandchildren. Having a loving family is a gift from God and it is a blessing to be together at Christmas but is that what Christmas is all about?
Still another talked about Christmas being about traditions. In Canada, people enjoy various family and religious traditions. It may be baking Christmas cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, a Sunday School concert, a Christmas cantata, a special meal, etc. Many traditions are wonderful and are full of meaning but is that what Christmas is all about?
To others, the focus of Christmas may be on the commercial aspect of the season. If we are honest, most of us get caught up with this aspect. As someone once said about this time of year,
“At Christmas the advertisers and the stores are in a frenzy trying to persuade us to buy gifts we can’t afford for people who don’t need them.” Presents are great but is that what Christmas is all about?
In “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Linus comes to Charlie Brown’s rescue and explains the true meaning of Christmas. In the spotlight on the stage, Linus quotes Luke 2:8-14, which reads,
“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 Saviour, 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.”
Linus rightly concludes that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ. It is about God, the Father, sending His Son to be our Savior. All of us need to be saved from sin, death and hell. Jesus came to save us from all of this and much more.
If we have received Christ as our Savior and Lord then we have something to celebrate, not only at Christmas but every day of the year.
If the true meaning of Christmas has eluded you for some reason and you are frustrated and depressed with life, please look to Jesus Christ for the joy and hope that only He can give.
Linus was confident about Jesus being the real meaning of Christmas and expressed his conclusion aptly, “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown!”
Merry Christmas everyone!
Rev. Ross Morrison is pastor Alberton Baptist Church. A guest sermon runs regularly in Saturday’s Guardian and is provided through Christian Communications.
