Either it is or it isn’t. Either He is or He isn’t.
In the movie, A Charlie Brown Christmas, one of the most iconic Christmas movie scenes of the past fifty years took place. The central character, Charlie Brown, a kind-hearted, well-meaning young boy, with his dilapidated little Christmas tree, throws his hands up in frustration and yells at the climax of the movie, as he is surrounded by his friends telling him how he always screws everything up, and exclaims, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!?!”
At that moment, Charlie Brown’s thumb sucking, security blanket toting, ever-faithful yet quiet friend, Linus, confidently proclaims, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then walks to the center of the elementary school stage and calls for, “Lights please…” The house lights go down and a spotlight shone on him as if to bring the words he is about to speak to the attention of everyone, as he tells the entire world the true meaning of Christmas.
He goes on to quote the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 verses 8-14…
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said unto them, “Fear not
(And at this moment—if you have never noticed before—Linus, drops his security blanket)
: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
A few questions arrive within our own hearts and minds from this simple scene
1. In the midst of all the presents, parties, food and family, have you ever wanted to scream out something like Charlie
2. Brown and say, “What is Christmas all about?!?!”
Are the words from Scripture, which Linus quoted, really what Christmas is all about? Either it is or it isn’t. Is Jesus really the Savior, the Christ and the Lord? Either he is or he isn’t.
3. Will you, like Linus, confidently proclaim the truth of Jesus to others who don’t know what Christmas is all about?
4. As these words of truth brought Linus peace so that he could let go of his security blanket, has God brought you peace in the midst of your fear?
The Bible also says in Matthew 1:20,21 that an angel of the Lord also appeared to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, telling him to call Mary’s son, Jesus, “…for he will save his people from their sins.”
And in Colossians 1:19,20 we are told, “19 For in him (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
The peace on earth which the angel proclaimed to the shepherds was a peace which would bring God and man together in a relationship, once broken by sin, but now reconciled through Jesus’ death on the cross.
Charlie Brown later looks up to the heavens pondering the Scripture Linus quoted and said, “Linus is right…”
5. Can you say with Charlie Brown, “Linus is right…”?