Dear friends,
I love Christmas movies, especially those that are “classic” to me from childhood. It’s a blast to rewatch them each year and to share them with my own children.
As I rewatch them, I’ve started thinking about what these different movies teach us about the “true meaning” of Christmas:
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A Christmas Carol – giving and sharing bring far more joy and happiness than selfish hoarding.
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Home Alone – the Wet Bandits are no match for a shrewd 8-year old with booby traps… oh, and we need our families, even if they are messed up.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas – the joy of Christmas isn’t tied to presents but to the people we love.
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – we should appreciate misfits and outcasts because they have important and unique gifts.
All of these are beautiful messages that touch on the meaning of Christmas, but only one movie tells us what the true meaning really is: A Charlie Brown Christmas.
After spending the entire movie depressed and frustrated by the over-commercialization of Christmas, Charlie Brown cries out in exasperation, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” And Linus, blue blankey in hand, recites Luke 2:8–14 when the angels appear to the shepherds and announce, “Good Tidings of Great Joy, which shall be to all people.”
And what are these Good Tidings? Linus continues, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” This is the true meaning of Christmas; JESUS is the true meaning of Christmas.
We all know that Christmas is not all about presents, decorations, or trees, but it is also not all about family, generosity, or appreciating others. It’s all about a baby boy, born 2000 years ago who brings great joy to all people, including you and me!
For you see, this little boy named Jesus is our:
- Savior – He saves us and brings us forgiveness for our sins and mistakes; He doesn’t hold them against us.
- Christ – He is the long-awaited Messiah, the King of kings, who reigns with love, compassion, generosity, and mercy.
- Lord – He is the Son of God by whom all things were created and who holds the whole world in His hands.
This changes everything. When Charlie Brown hears these words, he finally realizes he doesn’t need to be depressed about what Christmas has become. His friends then help change his pathetic little tree into a beauty to behold. And the shepherds, after they meet the baby Jesus in the manger, leave praising God and telling others this good news. Whenever someone meets Jesus, they never leave the same.
That is true for you too. Because Jesus has been born…
- You don’t need to wallow in regret, guilt, or anxiety; you are forgiven.
- You don’t need to live with greed, anger, or resentment; you can be like Christ and show love, compassion, generosity, and mercy.
- You don’t need to feel alone, unloved, or unwanted; you are loved by the Lord God Himself and are forever a part of His family.
This is Good News, and it is for all people, including you!
May Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas, bring you great joy both now and forever!
Merry Christmas,
Father BJ Buracker
Interim Rector
