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Christmas From the Heart Part 4 - A Charlie Brown Christmas

By: Tonya (@wiwcool)

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Okay, okay, in my opinion, I have saved the very best for last. I absolutely love the Peanuts gang and this particular cartoon touches my heart every time I watch it. Again, it is about the over commercialization and secularism of Christmas.

As it starts out, Charlie Brown is depressed. (Been there a time or two myself Chuck.) He talks to Linus about his dismay. Charlie Brown's depression and aggravation worsen with the Christmas goings-on in the neighborhood. He visits Lucy in her psychiatric booth (also relate.)

So, after diagnosing him with several phobias, she suggests he get involved in the Christmas festivities by directing a Christmas play. (Lucy wants real-estate for Christmas by the way.) Charlie Brown heads to the auditorium noticing Snoopy decorating his house with lights along the way. His sister Sally then stops him asking him to write her letter to Santa for her, hinting at having an extremely long list of wants but saying she will take money instead. Charlie Brown becomes even more frustrated.

Upon arriving at the auditorium, Charlie Brown realizes they need a tree for the play. Ignoring Lucy's recommendation for a tree, Charlie Brown chooses the only real tree on the lot. A tiny sapling.

Charlie Brown convinces Linus that, once decorated, it will be perfect for the play. They return to the auditorium with the tiny tree and, of course, everyone laughs and ridicules them before turning and walking away. Charlie Brown then screams "DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT?" Linus speaks up reciting the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 verses 8-14:

8: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9: 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.
10: And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12: And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men."

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

I love this story and its message. Although I've been told that Jesus is not the reason for the season, been told he was not born on Christmas at all, I say (regardless of whether or not you believe he was born on Christmas) Jesus IS the reason for the season- not just the Christmas season but every season.

Every day we should thank God but we should be even more thankful during the holiday season. Ladies and gentlemen around the world, let's remember what's most important in this life this holiday season. Our savior, Christ Jesus. Sent to die for a human race that now leaves him out of most things and tries to erase him, slowly forgetting him and turning their hearts away from the one who loves them most- don't leave him out! Instead put him first! Without him we are nothing.