December 23, 2013

A Charlie Brown Christmas  quotes the Gospel of Luke in giving the real meaning of Christmas.  This is how the quote appears on IMDb:

 

[shouting in desperation]

Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: “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 unto 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.'”

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

 

Today’s box finds the expression of the real meaning of Christmas as inspired by Matthew’s Gospel.

 

She will bear a son,

and you are to name him Jesus,

for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

 

Here’s the photo:  

 

 

The real meaning of Christmas is the gift of the child, not the gifts under the tree.  The real meaning of Christmas is in love shared, and time spent with family and friends, and in service to others.  The real meaning of Christmas is found in living out the Gospel message of hope, peace, joy and love.

 

That’s the gift.  That’s why we wait.

 

Just one more day…

December 15, 2013

We were opening the box in Sunday worship again today.  It really is fun that way, everyone is looking forward to seeing what might be inside, and today’s box had a battery pack on the back…the suspense was palpable!

Here are the words:

Come, house of Jacob, 

and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Isaiah 2:5

We opened the box to significant sounds of oohs, and aahs, as the lid opened and tiny lights filled the space.  What did we see?  Humans, walking together.  A stable.  Angels.  A town.  Lights in the sky.  Stars.  Baby Jesus — we couldn’t really see him very well but we could tell where he was supposed to be by the light on the picture.  Footprints on the ground.  

The box was carried into the congregation for all to see.  

We needed to see that.  We need to be reminded, always, that we are called to walk together.  We are called to care for one another.  

This afternoon a group gathered at the church to pack Christmas hampers, and to wrap the gifts that accompany them.  Thirty-five helping hands for 10 families.  We are reminding ourselves and each other of what it means to walk together.  We are remembering what it means to walk in the light.

Come, all houses, all people, let us walk in the light of God’s love.  It is the week of the candle of joy!