We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It’s run by a big Eastern syndicate you know. –Lucy
Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about!
Driving down the road today, the local Christian radio station played Christmas Time is Here and immediately I could see Linus reading the Christmas story.
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
We’ll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
We’ll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
What makes this iconic television program so special?
Was it the characters? Yes.
Was it the creator? Yes.
Was it the music? Definitely, yes.
Was it the message? Totally, yes.
If it had not been for Coca Cola taking on the advertising for the program we may not have this wonderful childhood (and forever after) remembrance in our Christmas-time memory bank. Even after its completion, and screening, CBS executives were not overly impressed with the outcome. But they had committed to their sponsor so A Charlie Brown Christmas hit the airwaves on December 9, 1965.
Drawing in 15.4 million viewers, the special placed second in the ratings, following only the classic Bonanza. Just a few months later, Charles Schulz and Producer Lee Mendelson accepted an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.
One of the most amazing scenes in the show is when Charlie Brown’s friend, Linus, the level-headed one, always comforted and supported by his security blanket, reads the Christmas story for a full minute.
On national television.
During prime time.
This was one of the networks biggest concerns; taking the plunge to actually read from the Bible on national television! But Mendelson and Schulz said if they didn’t do it, then who would?
Exactly.
If we don’t do it, who will?
Christmas-time has changed, dramatically, in the last 50+ years. It isn’t always politically correct to celebrate the real reason for the season.
“Christmas is not only getting too commercial,
it’s getting too dangerous. “-Linus
The vast majority of us will never get the opportunity that Linus had to share the Gospel to millions of viewers at one time; and yet we can do our part. Charlie Brown always thought he didn’t amount to anything and that is a tactic that the enemy uses on God’s people today.
Do we have to stand up on the street corner yelling “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” and making a spectacle of ourselves just because we can?
No, just don’t. Please don’t.
But you don’t have to stop saying, “Merry Christmas” either.
Just continue to do as you have always done,
be who you have always been and share the love of God.
Your actions speak much, much louder than your words.
When in doubt, or difficult circumstance, speak the Word. There is strength, power and wisdom in those 66 books of the Bible that are God-breathed and inspired. Use them! Memorize them, consume them whenever possible. Then those words will flow back out of us as strength, comfort and life-giving power to those that hear.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year when we keep Jesus first. Love Him, share Him and show His love everywhere you go. Decorate that sad, little tree and remember why He came…and that He is coming back again!
What are some of your favorite memories from A Charlie Brown Christmas? And, how can we better share Jesus this season?
Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!
