One of the real highlights of Christmas is the presentation of the animated classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. It is an essential part of Christmas preparation for many people.
When Charles Schulz started thinking about creating this television possibility, all the major networks were hesitant. They weren’t sure that this would work. Finally, one network agreed, so the cartoonist proceeded.
Everybody has favorite parts of the classic. We love to see Lucy’s reaction as Snoopy kissed her. We all felt bad for Charlie Brown when the gang turned on him and called him a “blockhead.”
I think the greatest contribution of the classic is when Charlie Brown steps up and says, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Then Linus comes out to center stage, requests the spot light, wraps his blanket around his head, and begins reciting Luke 2, the story of Jesus’ birth. Linus then says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Linus got it right! That is what Christmas is really about!
I have always been fascinated by the boldness of Charles Schulz to include that question from Charlie Brown and the answer from Linus. I have read that while the program was being developed, the producers again told Schulz that putting that scene in the special would probably jeopardize whether or not it would be accepted. Some of the experts were convinced that the religious message would definitely cause it to be rejected by the networks.
I love Charles Schulz response. The cautions did not deter him. He had conviction. His response was, “If not us, then who’s going to do it?”
I think we are at a point in society today where we need to stand up and not be so sensitive about what people might think if we tell the real meaning of Christmas. We cannot let commercial enterprises or people committed to secular values keep up from answering Charlie Brown’s question.
The big question at this season is “What is Christmas all about?” The answer is in Luke 2. I am thankful for the boldness of Charles Schulz who stepped up to the plate and said, “If not us, then who’s going to do it?”
Do you and I have the courage to change that quote to say, “If not I, then who’s going to do it?”
