The Culture of Hope Founded on Faith
The Christ of Christmas
Some years ago it was reported that a re-release of the 1965 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” television special had deleted the Luke 2:8-14 reading that is part of the Christmas program in the movie. How sad that the creator of the Peanuts cartoons, Charles Schultz, was so dishonored in the removal of such a key part of his carefully conceived story and script. But it is even sadder that subsequent generations have not heard the story of the real meaning of Christmas, joy over Christ’s birth, through this animated classic as Mr. Schultz intended. Our world is so focused on pagan rituals and worldly materialism at this time of year, that we the people have forgotten that Christmas is about celebrating Christ, Messiah and Savior.
So here is the full story, from Luke 2:1-20
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. All went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary his wife [who was] great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, 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 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, good will toward men.’
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.’
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it , they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
Jesus is the reason for the season. May you have a delightful Christmas, filled with the peace that only Jesus can give.
