"Merry Christmas, God bless us, every one." These are famous words from the "The Christmas Carol" and memorable lines out of many other movies or Christmas specials have a way of taking us back to our childhood years. None more profound than when Linus was explaining the meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown. More accurately, the real meaning of Christmas.
Charlie Brown said: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" To which Linus replied: "Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."
Linus move's to center stage and says "Lights please." The lights go dim, the spotlight is on him and he begins to speak, quoting Luke chapter 2:8-14:
"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 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 me.'"
Linus then returns to right stage and stands with Charlie Brown and says: "That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown." The faint sound of a piano begins to play, an old Christmas favorite, "O Christmas Tree," and the gang moves out into the starry night.
Things haven't changed much since that first Christmas night in regards to the real meaning of Christmas, but many things have changed in how they are allowed to be expressed. May we always hold on to what is the true heartfelt meaning of this splendid holiday season, that being the birth of Jesus. He is the reason for this season, always was and always will be.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas. And may it not take a Jacob Marley and his rattling chains to cause us to awaken to this most blessed truth. Don't let anything Grinch or Scrooge this season for you, and if by chance that is happening may the Lord let your heart grow 10 times larger and may The Holy Spirit touch you in such a way that every day you wake up it seems to be Christmas morning in its purest meaning.
And as we began this article, may we close the same way with a quote from Dickens' Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one."
Grace and Peace to each of you this Holy-Day season. Merry CHRIST-mas.
• Patrick Propster is pastor of Calvary Chapel -Carson City.