Charles Schultz wrote A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965. Schultz insisted the true meaning of Christmas be conveyed by including the birth of Christ. He persuaded the reluctant network; thus, the premise was in place. Charlie Brown found himself depressed despite the joyous holiday season. Lucy suggested he direct a neighborhood Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown does his best, while others ignore and mock his choice of a scrawny Christmas tree. This makes me smile as many seek to display a Charlie Brown Christmas tree due to this loved classic. Simple is sometimes best.

Charlie Brown’s efforts were modest, with no elaborate props, yet he impacted others. Linus clung to his security blanket until he quoted the biblical line, “Fear not’. He laid his blanket down, picked it up again, but finally placed his blanket as a tree skirt for Charlie’s puny tree. How many times do we look for security in the wrong things, release it to the Lord when He says, “fear not”, only to pick it up again? Will we lay all our fears under our trees this year? Fear of purchasing the perfect gift, fear of not spending enough, and fear of the commercial pressure to celebrate elaborately?

Charles Schult’s devout faith compelled him to write this script including Christ’s birth with the purpose of conveying the true Christmas message to his audience. Now, many decades later the message is still shown to many who enjoy this staple Christmas Special.

Ladies, let’s keep this season simple, by laying down our fears, and focusing on our Savior. Like Charles Schults, may we focus on Christ, the reason for Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6