A Charlie Brown Christmas  

Posted by BT

Last night, Kari and I snuggled up by the Christmas tree and watched the 40th anniversary special presentation of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I've always been fascinated by "Peanuts," Charles Schultz...the wisdom of Linus, the mean streak of Lucy, the carefree Woodstock. A few years ago I picked up a couple books, "The Gospel According to Peanuts" and "The Parables of Peanuts," both of which contained fascinating insight into the spiritual life of Charles Schultz. (Incidentally, in a totally unrelated matter, I also learned a bit of trivia yesterday...the three dead people who earn the most money each year: #3 was John Lennon at about $24M, #2 was Elvis at about $48M, and #1 was Charles Schultz at over $60M.)

Anyway, I found it interesting that Charlie Brown and Linus were complaining about the commercialism of Christmas. It never registered with me that this was created in 1965...So Christmas has been "commercialized" for that long? Then I started to wonder, how much longer than that has it been commercial? The '40s? The '20s? Who knows...

But I always rejoice when I hear this dialogue:

Charlie Brown (screaming): Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is all about?
Linus: I know, Charlie Brown. (walks to center stage and clears throat) Lights please. "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 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, goodwill toward men. " (walks back over to Charlie Brown) That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

From the lips of babes...

May we not forget it Linus. May we not forget it, Lord.

Now reading: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by CS Lewis
Colts: 12-0

This entry was posted on 07 December 2005 at 9:59 AM . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

2 comments

Stetlers  

We had to miss it because of gathering at our that night, but it's been taped and I can't wait to watch it with my boys. Trey (my 2 year old) loves "hoopy".
I read some interesting info in this book we have about St. Nicholas. The marketing of Santa started with the Coca-Cola company. I don't have a date though.
Hope you are having a great time celebrating and preparing for Christmas with your little one.

4:42 PM
Miss Kerri  

Fab post! We didn't watch it, but it's on TiVo. However, I own the DVD and we watched it a few days ago. I had the same thought--I was surprised to hear them complaining about the commercialization of Christmas, a phrase we hear a lot these days. Funny I did the same thing as you and checked the date.

And I was quite touched by Linus' speech, even though I've watched it countless times. Amazing that it's so appropriate 40 years later.

12:12 AM

Post a Comment