Monday; December 23


           I don’t think we can shake the influence of our childhood.  Now the reason I say this is that whenever I think about the Christmas season, I recall the Charlie Brown Christmas special that was a regular staple when I was a child.  While I am not a big fan of the whole show (I felt so sorry for Charlie Brown), I do recall one special moment in the show for me – when Charlie Brown ponders the meaning of Christmas, then Linus explains what he believes Christmas is all about, “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 good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14 KJV).
          I realize that Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt are cartoon characters, but in some way, they have been utilized to help spread the Word of the coming of the Savior into the world.  Through a cartoon, a portion of the Gospel has made it into the homes and lives of millions of people.  That is kind of cool.
          I don’t care if you watch the Charlie Brown Christmas story this year or not, but I do encourage you to take a minute or two to reread the message as recorded by Luke.  The cartoon might grow old and lose its appeal to a modern audience, but the message of hope found in the Bible is as fresh today as it has ever been!
          Think About It!

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