The Christmas Story

“That’s What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown”

 

I was born in 1968.

Of course, I don’t really have any recollection of that decade. My memories come alive for me in the 70′s.

My childhood.

Last night I watched, A Charlie Brown Christmas, with my husband and kids. The cartoon first aired in 1965 on CBS. It has been watched during theChristmas season every year since that time. I remember watching it as a child, back before cable TV, back when one had to check out the TV guide to make sure no shows were missed. The Christmas shows were special back then…before VCR‘s and DVD players. Tivo wasn’t around yet, and most people only received the three main channels on their sets.

I’ll admit that I bought all the Peanuts cartoons on DVD….because I wanted them….for nostalgia’s sake.

As I watched the cartoon last night I was once again struck by the fact that Linus quotes the Christmas story from the book of Luke. I dare say that any modern day Christmas shows/movies would face litigation if they quoted the Biblical story of Christmas.  Don’t you find it interesting though, that this particular cartoon has been around for 46 years and is still very much loved?

Sigh.

I sat on the couch, at 43 years old, and watched a beloved show that took me straight back to 1975. I was seven years old all over again. As I munched on some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, I listened as Linus set his friends straight on what Christmas really means…and it made me happy all over again.

“‘8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.’”  (Luke, chapter 2)

“…And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” —Linus

Thank you, Linus. The words you quoted

 never grow old…even if you have been around since 1965.