"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
I smiled when I heard those words a week ago. Maybe it's just because Charlie Brown makes me smile. Perhaps it's because watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC these days takes me back to my childhood, to simpler, less confusing days. Could it be I smiled because Charlie Brown's exasperated cry is so relevant? Or maybe the reason I smiled is because I know the answer to his question? Just like Linus.
"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
"Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is about." Linus stepped into the spotlight and said:
"And there were shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel of the Lord came upon them and said, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' And there was with the angel a multitude of hevenly hosts praising God and saying, 'Glory to God; peace on Earth, good will to men.'
"That is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
Right there in the middle of the frustration, the Kingdom of God breaks in. And everything changes.
Do you know any Charlie Browns? Have you heard their spoken or their unspoken questions? Overwhelmed with the pace of life, overcome with the futility of their thinking and pursuits, they cry out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas/life is all about?"
If you do, perhaps you are being nudged to be a Linus. I am sure of this...we need more Linuses today.
