Is this how you feel? Has Christmas become more of a hassle than a source of happiness? Have you bought gifts you can't afford? Are you fretting over not getting invited to the "right" Christmas party? Are you lonely this Christmas? Christmas reminds you of the loved ones that you have lost. Or maybe you are worn out from all that has happened in your life the past year. Whatever the issue maybe, for some of us, Christmas is merely another over-commercialized holiday on our Google calendar.
After being named the director of the school Christmas play, Charlie Brown hopes that this experience will help him connect with the meaning of the season. Unfortunately, the experience brings him nothing but grief from the cast members and the "script girl" Lucy who has her own definition for Christmas, “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket run by a big Eastern syndicate.” To which Charlie Brown replies, “This is one play that will not be commercial. The mood is all wrong. What we need is a Christmas tree.” “That’s it,” replies Lucy, “What we need is a big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree.”
Linus and Charlie Brown proceed to the Christmas tree lot where aluminum trees are everywhere, but Charlie Brown is not impressed. Instead of falling for the latest fad, Charlie Brown rejects the symbolism that the artificial tree represents. Instead, he picks a real tree --- but the one that he selects is nothing more than a sprig with a few almost bare branches. Linus cautions him but Charlie Brown purchases it anyway and proudly returns back to the school to share it with the cast. As you can imagine, Lucy and the rest of the Peanut’s gang are not pleased and the story climaxes with Charlie Brown asking Linus the famous question, "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" Of which Linus, with his trusty blue blanket in tow replies, "Light please." Then bathed in a spotlight, Linus begins reciting the Biblical passage (Luke 2:8-14) recalling the birth of Jesus. When he is finished Linus turns to his friend and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
Linus is absolutely correct. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
I would also suggest that Christmas is a Time for Reconciliation (Isaiah 7:10-12). Instead of saying, "God I will trust you if you prove yourself trustworthy." Christmas is an opportunity for to us to really trust God and reconcile ourselves with God and our past. Even though Ahaz did evil in the sight of God (2Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, Isaiah 7:1-10) God was still willing to give him a second chance. Unfortunately, Ahaz refused God's offer. Don't be like Ahaz. It's time to break the generational curses in your life. How many more future generations are you going to allow to be tormented by the sins of your past?
Christmas is also a Time for Recommitment (Isaiah 7:13-14). Just like God did with Ahaz, God dares us to believe. But the question is, "Are you afraid to put God to the test?" Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel (God with us).” Simply this means...not only is God daring you to believe, God promises to stand with you.
Finally, Christmas is a Time for Radical Praise (Luke 2:12-14). We must always remember that we are on God's gift list. For 700 years after Isaiah gave the promise to Ahaz that a savior was coming (Isaiah 7:14), Luke records (2:12-14) that "to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Did you catch it? The gift was sent especially for you ---a gift to deliver you from sin and to bring you into a right relationship with God. I don't know about you...but such a radical gift demands a radical praise. "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:14)
From my family and all of us at The Breakthrough Project --- Merry Christmas!
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Wow...where do I begin? I guess I will start with thanking God for you and for the wisdom that you have shared with me personally and as a member of the Breakthough Project. Prior to my family sitting down for Christmas dinner, I ran downstairs to the computer and printed off this blog. I told them that I had something to share with them. They asked a couple of questions, but no one seemed to be really moved by the words that were coming out of my mouth. I then asked myself silently why I was compelled to share this with my family....events that came to a climax in my life over the next 48 hours answered my question. I was compelled to "share" the story of the Charlie Brown Christmas because I needed to hear it over and over again FOR MYSELF!!
Although Christmas has passed, I will print this one and always keep it close by as a reference tool for my life.
May God bless all who lay eyes on this message...
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