I think we all know the Charlie Brown Christmas. I think as a kid we waited to see the Charlie Brown Christmas because Christmas was pretty close. We loved snoopy getting into decorating his dog house, we saw the commercialization that was going on and how much it bothered Charlie Brown, and we always felt bad for Charlie Brown when they belittled him for the sad Christmas Tree he bought.
What has always stood out for me is Charlie Brown's long standing friend Linus. He put it in perspective for all when he stood on the stage and quoted Luke (ch2:8) from the Bible.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.”
“...That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
It just rings in my ears Linus’ voice. We all live in a world that is very me, me, me. What is most important is you live Christmas as God wants us too. He gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son. A gift of love. Celebrating Him at Christmas should spur us to obey the great command to go into the entire world and preach the gospel. One beautiful thing the shepherds did after they saw Jesus was that “they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds” Luke 2:17-18. Christmas presents us with a unique opportunity to make Him widely known just like shepherds did.
See the source imageWe have 7 days left till Christmas. Live your life for the love of all, your family, friends, strangers, the poor, homeless, and the people you dislike. Be a person of hope, mercy, forgiveness, and most certainly love.
Today take it upon yourself to look into the world and see how you can treat your fellow man with love. Let this be a part of your life always!
Have a Blessed Advent,
Deacon Mike