‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ first aired on this day in 1965!
Charlie Brown’s Christmas seems as relevant today as it did 55 years ago.
In the movie, Charlie Brown is feeling depressed, despite it being the Christmas season.
Of course, Charlie Brown seeks the best help available, going to Lucy’s psychiatric booth. She tells him that he needs to distract himself with a project, suggesting he direct the school’s Christmas play.
Charlie Brown’s sense of ‘the blues’ deepens as he observes signs of the commercialization of Christmas – Snoopy’s doghouse, amply decorated for a community lights and decorations contest; Sally dictating her list to Santa, asking for many gifts and lots of money.
When Charlie Brown gets to the school he discovers that this year’s Christmas pageant has received a modern look, featuring dancing, catchy music and Lucy starring as the Christmas Queen!
Charlie Brown tries to redeem the play by purchasing a Christmas tree to decorate and place on stage. However, the only tree he can get is a small, bare sapling – what has come to be known as a ‘Charlie Brown tree.’ Some of the other children laugh at his tree, prompting Charlie Brown to ask if anyone knows the real meaning of Christmas.
Linus replies by quoting the angels’ message from the Gospel of Luke:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to all on whom God’s favour rests.’
The others are moved by Linus’ observation, and realize they have been too harsh on Charlie Brown; so, in his absence, they decorate his tree, Linus wrapping his blanket around the base of the tree.
Charlie Brown returns and they all join in singing ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.’
In these pandemic lock-downed days, we can remember the real meaning of Christmas – that God’s love rests on humankind; that God’s peace is the gift found in the birth of Jesus; that we are held in God’s love even during these pandemic lock-downed days.
You are invited to join us on ZOOM this Thursday at 9 a.m. and on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Let’s care for each other and remember the real meaning of Christmas!
Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538449219
If you prefer to join us by being on a ‘Party-line’/’Conference Call’ style of phone call, the number to dial is: 204-272-7920
You will be asked if you want to ‘join a meeting’, (say yes), and then enter the meeting ID number: 753 844 9219
We look forward to seeing you!
Jeff and Carol