Linus Says It Best

A Sunday Amen...

I believe I just packed some socks that look like the ones in this picture. Some things never change.

It was 1966 and I couldn’t wait for my mom to have our baby.

Thinking back this past Friday, as I watched my little grandchildren, adorned in Christmas attire for their school Christmas or “Winter” concerts, they are just so very, very precious.

There is nothing I love more than hanging out with children and animals. Something deep down inside of me craves to be rid of all the grown-up ways and worries of the world. In these moments I grab life the way God would intend. It’s all His and I’m just jumping on a trampoline.

Four years before I was born, in 1965, Charles M. Schulz wrote “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with the goal being to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Mr. Schulz was a legend with a rich legacy. Presently, the only place you can see this classic piece is on Apple TV from what I’m reading.

Insert years and years of pure joy, so many of us received, now lost to new generations. Why?

I first attended my six-year old grandson’s little “Christmas” recital (about 20 min., 5 songs) for first grade at a public school.

I totally understand the separation of church and state and in no way expected any songs about Baby Jesus, the manger, shepherds, wise men, etc.

What I didn’t expect was for the children, dressed to the gils in Christmas prints and colors (my grandson had a large Christmas lightbulb necklace around his neck with a red/black plaid shirt on …. so sweet) to be singing Engine Engine #9? Five Little Pumpkins, huh? and Bingo Was His Name O? what?

As I looked around the room I wondered if anyone was thinking “that was weird.” Most adults had a frozen smile on their face, as I did. The children are truly wonderful to see. Another song was about Elves stealing money I think? Makes sense with The Elf on the Shelf tradition. Then the classic “Jingle Jingle Little Bell?” Never heard of it.

Afterward, I made a nervous comment that they were adorable and how it reminded me of when my kids were growing up and singing songs for all the holidays. But was I the only observant and slightly uncomfortable adult in the room?

Whatever happened to Frosty the Snowman?, or Santa Claus Is Coming To Town? Deck the Halls? good old Jingle Bell Rock? heck, how about Feliz Navidad?

Next up performing was my two and three-quarter year old granddaughter, at her Christian preschool. No need to explain how normal it was or how incredibly sweet she was with her classmates. All dressed in Christmas p.j.s, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and We Wish You A Merry Christmas!! Yessss! plus my favorite “There Was A Little Baby,” “City Mouse” style. Full bluegrass :) Oh my Lord!

I thought, as I watched the children sing, some shy, some doing all the hand movements, a few jumping off the stage for an impromptu solo... bravo to the adults that celebrate the Christmas season in all it’s glory.

Christmas isn’t that complicated, nor are children.

Most children are capable of enjoying and singing standard Christmas songs. I have no idea what was going on with my grandson’s music director choices, but I can only imagine it came down from the top. Confusing children for the sake of adult’s feelings and agendas is wrong. Nothing good or progressive comes from it.

As it is, The Christmas Story, the greatest story ever told is best delivered to us by a child cartoon character.

Linus, blankie in hand, explains to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about.

Listening to Linus’ sweet voice grabs at my heart. Right there a seed of hope is planted, expressed on a stage, with no one in the cartoon audience. A child, speaks through the television to children at home about a Savior… a little baby who came to save us from our sins, bring peace to earth and “good will toward men.”

There is no more timely story, for a deeply hurting world.

Praying for God’s precious children everywhere to receive the message of Great Love and Hope. For a better world ahead.

Amen.

---

Retrieved from A Charlie Brown Christmas:

"I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this 
little tree," said Charlie Brown. "Everything I do turns into 
a disaster. I guess I don't really know what Christmas is 
all about. Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas 
is all about?"

One of the many Christmas tree farms in Sublimity, Oregon, where my family lives.

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," 
said Linus. [Linus walks to center stage.] 

"Lights, please."

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.

The True Meaning of Christmas (recited by Linus)

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.

and then Linus says, "that's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."


                 - Book 42, Luke (2:8-14)
                   

[Linus picks up his blanket and shuffles off-stage.]