By Hannah Sweet
With readers in more than 70 countries, numbering in the 300 millions and translating in over a dozen languages it is no wonder Charlie Brown remains a staple for many come holiday time. What is it that keeps people coming back? Is it the nostalgia, that sense of childhood - the repetition of what is always done and so it must always be? No I don’t think that is the case here. People like the Peanuts because they remind us of the true reason for the season in the simplest way. Charles Schultz was a no–nonsense sort of guy, who wrote his comics to appeal to everyone not just 1 specific group of people, and so when Linus says his well-crafted line;
“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. That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
It is so simple and so succinct that we as a human people can’t help but to understand the larger point being made there. When the special was being made the animators and producers were very concerned about airing Bible verses on television and Schultz said “If we don’t talk about religion, who will?” The special went on to be the most watched on television. Schultz was right. If we don’t have the courage to discuss religion outside of the context of the church, who will? We must embolden ourselves, especially at the holiday season! You will be pleasantly surprised to see whose heart God has opened to his message. That’s the point of the Peanuts Christmas Special, not only the traditional messages of Christmas cheer, but to speak of God when no one else thinks you should. We are the mouth pieces of God and he has made willing the hearts of others to receive the messages he has put in our minds to speak, if only we have the courage to share them with others. This holiday season I challenge you to be brave and share the message and love of Jesus Christ with just one person you are skeptical of sharing it with. You’ll be surprised at the things God can do through you. Remember always, Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
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