This month marks fifty-seven years since the first animated cartoon featuring the Peanuts characters aired on CBS. Christmastime viewing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” TV Special has been a tradition since 1978.
The inspiration for the animated feature was born out of a meeting between Charles Shultz (creator of Peanuts), Executive Producer Lee Mendelson, and his brother, Bill Mendelson.
Charles Shultz turns 100 this year. He’s described by them as a religious man who told them that “If we want to do a Christmas special we have to do it right and talk about Christmas.”
Charlie Brown tells Linus, his friend, that he thinks there is something wrong during the 1965 TV show. Christmas is near, but I am not happy. I don’t feel the same way as I should feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. Although I enjoy receiving Christmas gifts and decorating Christmas trees, I am still not happy.
Charlie Brown seeks an answer to a very important question. Charlie Brown asks his friends: “Is there anyone who understands Christmas?” In her book Little Women Louisa May Alcott wrote that Christmas is not complete without presents.
Alexander Smith, a Scottish poet, once stated that Christmas is “the day that holds all times together.” Dr. Seuss also wrote, “Christmas does not come from a shop, maybe Christmas means a little more.”
Schultz almost made it impossible to include the answer to Charlie Brown’s questions in the final product. It was considered dangerous. Linus Van Pelt said to Charlie Brown that he could tell what Christmas was all about. He then steps towards the center of the stage and lays down his blanket. Linus says, “And there were also in the same country shepherds who remained in the field by night, keeping watch over their flock.” They were terrified when the angel of God appeared upon them. The angel spoke unto them and said, “Fear not, for I bring you good tidings, which will be to all people. Unto you, Christ the Lord was born in the City of David this day. This shall be a sign to you: Ye will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothing, lying in a manger.
Linus then takes his blanket off and says, “That’s Christmas, Charlie Brown.”
One person once said that Christmas began in God’s heart. It can only be complete when it reaches man’s heart. Rev. Neil Strait said it like this: “When we take Jesus (Jesus), out of the manger, and invite him into the hearts, then the meaning unfolds, and the strangeness disappears.”
Jan White has collected a selection of her columns in her book “Everyday Faith for Daily Life.”
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