Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus: "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 unto 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 Savior, 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.’” Luke 2:8-14

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

I’m sure you recognize this quote from Charles Schultz’s famous A Charlie Brown Christmas. Did you know that Mr. Schultz had to hold his ground to get the show on the air back in 1965? CBS thought the program would fail because the general audience wouldn’t like the long Bible quote from Linus. They didn’t think the jazz sound track would fly with the children. And they were sure they’d never air it again due to lack of interest. But Charles Schultz knew he had an important story to tell that someone needed to hear. I’m so glad he did.

As I watched the timeless classic with my six-month old granddaughter on my lap and my (almost) five-year old grandson by my side, I thanked God these children have hope in Jesus. With all the world’s problems, there’s still joy, peace and love that can be found in the man who came as a baby and grew to be the man who’d take on the sin of all mankind.

As my family and I celebrate Christmas this week, I praise God for his son. Merry Christmas!

P.S. I’ve watched A Charlie Brown Christmas every year for 49 years. I guess CBS was wrong.