How Charlie Brown Keeps Christ In Christmas

I watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year. If you haven’t seen it, here’s a snapshot:

Framed within the context of a school play, Charlie Brown is frustrated with the commercialism that has taken over Christmas. He goes on a quest of sorts, to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Soon enough, a small and seemingly insignificant Christmas tree; and more importantly, Linus’ presentation of the Christmas story (found in Luke 2:8-14), becomes the answer to his quest.

As the film ends, the Peanuts Gang, who first mocked Charlie and his little tree; are now moved by Linus’ reading to embrace their friend and his innocent sapling. The Gang brings significance to Charlie’s tree by uniting together and decorating it.

Before the credits role, the Peanuts Gang cry out, “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown” and gather around the now, significant tree singing, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing“.

A Significant Child

As Linus so eloquently explains, Christmas isn’t really about Christmas trees. Linus reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the Bible, the celebratory remembrance of that very first Christmas, when Jesus Christ was born.

That was over 2000 years ago! But did you know that hundreds of years before that, God used men called prophets to spread the message of this first Christmas. Moreover, the plan to bring significance to humanity through an innocent and seemingly insignificant child.

One of these prophets was named Isaiah.

The Prophet Isaiah

In the Book of Isaiah, chapter 7, verse 14, we read,

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

This was written hundreds of years before Jesus was ever born. This is truly amazing. But consider another one of Isaiah’s prophecies.

In the Book of Isaiah, chapter 53, verse 2, we read,

“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

Jesus Brought Significance

When we envision that first Christmas night, we often think of the innocent and humble circumstances that surrounded Jesus’ birth. But as we mentally gaze into the manger, there’s always a temptation to envision Jesus as this perfect little baby.

We’re tempted to picture a baby without a blemish on him. A baby that doesn’t ever cry or fuss, never mind the other smelly things that babies do.

No Beauty, No Majesty

Isaiah reminds us that Jesus “…had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (53:2)

That night, Jesus came into this world in complete innocence. No beauty, no majesty, nothing physically that would indicate that He was different in any way; a seemingly insignificant Child.

And yet, the world would soon find out that this Child had incredible significance, because this Child was the Son of God.

A Significant You

If you have time over the Christmas break, read through the rest of Isaiah 53. It foretells what would come to be:

That this innocent Child would grow to become the innocent Man, that would be given as a sacrifice to take away the sins of the world. This is the fulfillment of prophecy and the reason He came on that first Christmas, so very long ago.

At the bottom of Isaiah 53, in verse 12 we read,

“Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Jesus Gives Us Significance

We must remember that Christmas is just the beginning. The birth of Jesus Christ is the beginning of the story.

In a few months, we’ll celebrate Easter; focusing our attention to the Cross and the empty tomb. Jesus Christ would take our sin to that cross, but would rise from the dead and ascend to heaven, offering forgiveness of sin to all who believe.

His sacrifice would offer innocence, giving our lives an eternal significance.

Back To Charlie Brown

It might be a stretch for you, but when I watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and I see that little, innocent and seemingly insignificant tree; I think about Jesus.

Charlie’s sapling, matched with Linus’ reading of Scripture, helps me remember the significance of our innocent Saviour, beginning His time on earth as an innocent and seemingly insignificant Child.

And so, this Christmas, as we mentally gaze into the manger, may we never forget that this little Child is the Son of God; with divine significance, offering eternal innocence to you and I.

“Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.“

Can I Get Your Feedback?

What helps you keep Christ in Christmas? How did you celebrate Christ’s significance this year?

Please comment below or share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.