The Simple Truth, Peanuts-Style
by Jeanne Rogers
“Then Jesus prayed this prayer: ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so
wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike.’” (Matthew 11:25)
For years, major television networks have featured A Charlie Brown Christmas as one of their primetime specials during the days prior to Christmas. Audiences of all ages have viewed the 1965 classic movie and it is notable that ABC aired it this year in a primetime slot on December 16.
The famous cartoon provides clean entertainment as the beloved Peanuts characters explore life’s challenges. Each scene is honest and humorous and Charlie Brown’s dog, Snoopy, always steals the show. It is also a favorite because the movie features the true meaning of Christmas.
Throughout the plot of the movie, Charlie Brown experiences frustration and disappointment, and eventually despairs with all the commercialization of Christmas. Guided by the five-cent, psychiatric advice of Lucy, he accepts the role of director for the annual Christmas Pageant.
As usual, he gets no respect for his leadership effort. He voices his frustration with familiar Peanuts remarks, “Good grief!” and “Oh rats!”
Just as he is about to give up on understanding Christmas, Charlie Brown’s friend, Linus, offers him hope.
"I'll tell you what Christmas is about," Linus says. The scene changes as Linus walks into the center-stage spotlight. The true meaning of Christmas unfolds as the voice of a pre-school child narrates the story of Jesus’ birth.
“And there were shepherds gathered in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people of the earth. For today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:8-10)
Charlie Brown gets it. Something happens inside of his heart. A change in attitude and behavior moves through the entire cast of characters, and their disagreeable mood transforms into celebrative joy.
In typical Peanuts style, Charles Shultz gave a truthful solution to a dilemma that has intensified over the forty years since the movie’s creation—the secularization of Christmas. We are grateful to this talented cartoonist who spoke a timeless, spiritual message through the lives of animated children.
This Christmas when so many messages of truth are silenced, perhaps the message of hope, told in a classic cartoon, will be heard. May we once again experience the profound and simple meaning of Christmas; that a Savior was born “for all the people of the earth.”
This week
Try featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas at a gathering of family or friends and follow it with an inspirational discussion about the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps God’s love through us will change the focus and atmosphere of our celebrative gatherings.
Prayer
“Thank you, Father, for sending us Your Son - our savior - Jesus, the Christ child. We choose to focus on the gift You gave. We receive Your life, joy and peace, and we worship and glorify Christ.”
