That's What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown

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

I've been a bit of a Scrooge this Christmas season. Between not being able afford very many presents and learning that once again we would not be able to see our families at all over the holidays I had decided that there wasn't any reason to be merry. The Christmas decor being put up before the Halloween pumpkins were thrown away and the wild and crazy Black Friday shoppers did nothing to improve my "Bah, humbug!" attitude. I could have easily gone through this holiday depressed and negative, completely losing sight of what Christmas is really all about.

Praise the Lord for children who show me how to keep the focus on the real meaning of this holiday.


How precious is Christmas through the eyes of a child? This sweet boy arrived two days before Christmas last year. I could not have asked for a better gift. I may lament not being able to spend Christmas with our families, but I remind myself that my little family is here and now is the time make new traditions. As much as it may bother me that I cannot shower Eli with presents wrapped in colorful paper with shiny bows, I remember that I have the opportunity to teach him about thankfulness for what he does have and that giving of ourselves to those in need and for the good of God's kingdom is a greater gift than any material possession.



I am so thankful for that boy with the blankie. I often feel that "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is one of the only Christmas movies or specials worth watching. How often do we feel like Charlie Brown? Tired of the commercialism that has consumed the holiday, he sets out to learn what Christmas is really all about. Just as Charlie Brown is feeling hopeless because of all the superficiality surrounding him, little Linus takes the stage to remind us all that Christmas is not about Santa, presents, and bright lights on a big green tree. As he recites the story of the Nativity, we are reminded that on Christmas day we celebrate the birth of our Savior and that all other things pale in comparison to that gift.

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year, but ultimately we must slow down and remember why we truly celebrate. Let's not be so overwhelmed with presents and parties that we forget to thank God for the precious gift of His Son. Alongside images of Santa and reindeer we see a babe lying in manger, a babe who was sent to be our Redeemer. May our focus on Christ never waiver.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6