“I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards, and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.” -Charlie Brown
Don’t we all feel this way one time or another? Decorating, baking, buying presents, hosting parties, over-spending. Plus, family stress, time stress, and the awful Pinterest stress. How easy for us to feel like Charlie Brown – unhappy and depressed.
Linus responds, “Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.”
Linus is right. How we respond to Christmas is a choice. It can be a “problem” or it can be a time of peace and joy no matter what you situation may be. We are not victims of the holidays unless we don’t become intentional about how we celebrate — unless we allow all the trappings of Christmas hide the true meaning and simple, but oh-so-important promise.
I love to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas every year because in just a half hour, this lovely story and everyman character shows us the true meaning of Christmas in the simplest way, with the wonderful scene of Linus reading the Christmas Story from Luke.
In the coming days, I’ll be posting ways to simplify and find meaning in this crazy busy season. But for today, I’ll be watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. Hoping some of you will take the Christmas Challenge with me, and begin by enjoying the simplicity and truth in this charming little holiday show.
Simple Gifts 