Christmas is almost here, just a few more days.
One of the oldest and best-known Christmas Specials is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
The story follows Charlie Brown, who, rather than being happy at Christmas is depressed. We follow his efforts with the Christmas play, and the infamous Christmas tree, to the point where he shouts, 'Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is all about?"
Every year we complain about how the true meaning of Christmas is lost, or how some of us are offended at the "Happy Holidays" greeting. The same cycle repeats itself every year.
But I got thinking about it. What do I do to celebrate the birth of our Savior in a more meaningful way? It's always easier to protest and complain, than to think creatively. To change what we can, rather than expect stores not to take advantage of their biggest chance for great sales of all year.
So that's my Christmas week challenge, to myself. To get my thoughts off the same old complaints and think about how I can do something, even small and different, each year.
Perhaps just thinking about how Linus answered Charlie Brown's question. He smiled, and said, "I do Charlie Brown," then calling for a spotlight, he said...
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
After all, that is what Christmas is all about, it really isn't that complicated.
