The Jesus Season

This time of year a lot of Christmas television specials take the spotlight in prime time. One seasonal special that is a favorite of many according the ratings year after year is A Charlie Brown Christmas. In the cartoon epic, Charlie Brown wrestles with the true meaning of Christmas in a world seemingly teeming with commercialism. This now classic feature first appeared during the Christmas season 1965 (I was just eleven). The subject matter Charlie Brown wrestles with are as valid today as they were over 45 years ago.

During the show, Charlie Brown is so perturbed, he yells, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” The answer comes swiftly from CB’s friend Linus who steps out onto the auditorium stage and recites the Christmas story straight from the Gospel of Luke.

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)

A story so simple, and yet today, many people celebrate the holiday for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with the birth of Christ, like personal family traditions, a day off from work, a time of gift-giving, Santa Claus, parties, and so on. Commercialism and materialism are now deeply entrenched into the fabric of Christmas celebrations in our society. It’s easy to forget that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee beall glory given;
Son of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.
    (from O Come, All Ye Faithful)

Make this the most wonderful time of the year by choosing to make the birth of Jesus the primary motivation for your celebrations.

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