Photo Credit: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Yesterday I ventured out to finish up my last-minute Christmas shopping. You know, I actually went to a store. Yea, remember those? I had insulated myself from stores by shopping online with retailers like Amazon.
I will admit despite the cold and rain it was actually fun to go out and physically pick out what I was going to give to others for Christmas. As I walked through Walmart, yes Walmart, I noticed the aisles overstocked with plush reindeer, Santa koozies, and bins upon bins of toys.
It seems that in today’s world we are inundated with commercialism and materialism. Today we are still stuck in keeping up with the Joneses and outdoing each other with “pristine” lives on social media.
While I zigged and zagged through the fire hazard displays in the aisles I couldn’t help but remember a very valuable lesson about Christmas that America learned more than 50 years ago. Back then a little guy named Charlie Brown became overwhelmed with the commercialism of Christmas. Despite seeing a psychiatrist who suggested he work through his issues by getting involved with a holiday play, he still didn’t get it. In a moment of anguish he yells out to his friends, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”
Only one of his friends is able to respond.
Photo credit: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
The youngest boy, Linus, confidently gives his friend the answer that he so desperately needs. Calling for the lights on the stage to be lowered and to focus his friends' attention on his words he begins,
“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.”
“That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown,” Linus concludes. Charlie Brown is relieved at Linus’ response.
As we go forward into the Christmas season, be the voice that knows why we celebrate Christmas. While enjoying egg nog and office parties is fine, be the person who reminds your friends of a baby that was born to save the world. More importantly, bring out the Bible on Christmas eve and read the words of Luke 2 to your family. Make it a new holiday tradition.
I wish you and your family all the best this Christmas. Be careful as your travel and be safe in all that you do.
God Bless You,
Andy Murphy,
Founder, The Secure Dad
