For many Americans, Christmas would not really be Christmas without watching their favorite seasonal shows. For some, these beloved programs actually kick start the holidays more than any other thing.
Over the years, the many classics have entered the nation’s living rooms geared either at youngsters or adults – sometimes both. Often the older generations still adore the versions they grew up with and enjoy watching their childhood favorites over again through they eyes of their own children.
Some of the more recognizable children’s classics would include, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the now popular Polar Express. And In more recent years it seems that nearly everyone has gotten into the act with titles such as A Dennis the Menace Christmas, Winnie the Pooh Christmas, A Flintstone Christmas, Muppets Christmas, Garfield Christmas, Pinocchio’s Christmas, and even The Little Rascals Christmas. The list is nearly endless and the story lines sometimes a bit bizarre like Merry Madagascar, The Munsters’ Scary Little Christmas, The Dog Who Saved Christmas, and even Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey.
Hallmark has produced numerous programs over the years, some of which are quite well-done and moving. And then, of course, Hollywood has its more modern entries like The Santa Clause 1-3 and Home Alone 1-4. These newer seasonal mainstays now accompany the all-time adult favorites like Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and, of course, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
The current inventory of Christmas specials has become vast and the stories varied. Unfortunately, many of them have very little or nothing to do with the one whose name makes up the very title of the holiday. But with all efforts in producing Christmas-related media, still nothing ever seems to compare to what is arguably the most simple, most effective, and likely the most inexpensive program of all time - A Charlie Brown Christmas. Using simplistic graphics, genius Charles Shultz somehow captured the imagination of young and old alike. He somehow managed to say more in his brief low-budget cartoon than most all other productions combined!
What few know, however, is that the beloved show almost ended before it even started. Schulz wanted his story to have the religious meaning that was central to his own Christmas experience. But others in the TV industry were far less than enthusiastic. Actually, most executives hated the entire concept from day one.
The now idolized broadcast was criticized as being ‘too religious’ because little Linus quoted Luke 2:8-14 - straight from the King James Bible, no less. How dare he? Few of today’s programs would ever have to be concerned over that criteria. It was criticized for featuring contemporary jazz background music in a cartoon. How could that work? And it was blasted for not having a laugh track and for using the voices of real children except for Snoopy. How could all of these factors ever begin to be overcome? But ‘overcome‘ they did and to the surprise of most everyone except maybe one - Charles Shultz himself.
On Thursday, December 9, 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas was seen in more than 15 million homes. That was a hefty viewer number almost a half century ago. It was nearly half of the potential audience of that day and was number two in the ratings, after TV’s hit series, Bonanza. Soon thereafter Shultz’s gem won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program and a Peabody Award for Excellence in Programming. He had basically fooled the experts and fully inspired their viewers.
The Shultz classic is a simple masterpiece containing a simple message. He was a man of character, talent, and vision. But most of all he was a man of simple faith. As such, he fully recognized the implications and impact of Linus’ great Bible quote when he boldly responded to Charlie Brown’s famous question. “Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
For many, it was little Linus who introduced them to the pure and personal reason for the season. It was the adorable cartoon character who perhaps first conveyed the true meaning of the incarnation and of the truth of Emanuel - “God with Us”, through his Luke chapter 2 proclamation.
"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them,"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:8-14)
“A Savior, who is Christ the Lord.“
That is exactly and exclusively what Christmas has always been about - and always will be!
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mass Kidney Swap
Surgical transplants are not normally thought of in terms of a record-setting kidney swap – until now.
Surgeons at Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., gave the hope of new life to a group of 13 desperate kidney recipients after performing the twenty-six operations required to complete the task. The six-day surgical marathon was a record-setting feat and part of a pioneering effort to expand transplants to patients who would normally never qualify.
Often a kidney is donated by a relative or very close friend if the physical match is adequate. Sometimes it is not. And often the wait for the right organ goes on indefinitely. But in this case, a ‘pool’ of organs widened the opportunities since many otherwise incompatible issues were solved by the mixing and matching of all the donors and recipients. Upon meeting her own donor, one happy recipient stated, "It's a large gift to give somebody, something so selfless. God bless you." At present, there are 88,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney.
Medical advancements have provided a second chance for some who would have no hope otherwise. But in the case of organ transplants, the surgical know-how is just part of the equation and is insufficient without those willing to make a huge sacrifice.
As impressive as this personal and sacrificial gift of extended physical life may be, it cannot begin to compare to the length and quality of the life offered through the ultimate donor of life - God’s Son.
In his first letter, the Apostle Peter spoke of how Jesus Christ provided spiritual healing through the giving of His own body as an offering for sin. 1 Peter 2:24 reads, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.” Then, too, Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:25 related Christ’s own words about the part His own physical body would play in the redemptive plan of God. Just before His betrayal by Judas He declared, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
Scripture reveals the mind-boggling exchange of ‘sin for sainthood’ offered to every man by Jesus Christ. Paul makes that abundantly clear when he writes, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) God’s Son is the stand alone supreme donor as contended in 1 Timothy 2:4-5. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” And there are absolutely no compatibility issues whatsoever associated with the exchange of sin for salvation. “For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13, John 3:16)
At this Christmas season millions of gifts will be thoughtfully given and happily received. Most will be joyfully exchanged under a tree. A few select others may even come via some surgeon’s skilled and life-extending hands. But no gift will ever match that of being the precious recipient of the One for whom the holiday is named. His love compelled Him to freely donate His all and to give His very best even while we were at our very worst.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)
Bill Breckenridge
Surgeons at Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., gave the hope of new life to a group of 13 desperate kidney recipients after performing the twenty-six operations required to complete the task. The six-day surgical marathon was a record-setting feat and part of a pioneering effort to expand transplants to patients who would normally never qualify.
Often a kidney is donated by a relative or very close friend if the physical match is adequate. Sometimes it is not. And often the wait for the right organ goes on indefinitely. But in this case, a ‘pool’ of organs widened the opportunities since many otherwise incompatible issues were solved by the mixing and matching of all the donors and recipients. Upon meeting her own donor, one happy recipient stated, "It's a large gift to give somebody, something so selfless. God bless you." At present, there are 88,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney.
Medical advancements have provided a second chance for some who would have no hope otherwise. But in the case of organ transplants, the surgical know-how is just part of the equation and is insufficient without those willing to make a huge sacrifice.
As impressive as this personal and sacrificial gift of extended physical life may be, it cannot begin to compare to the length and quality of the life offered through the ultimate donor of life - God’s Son.
In his first letter, the Apostle Peter spoke of how Jesus Christ provided spiritual healing through the giving of His own body as an offering for sin. 1 Peter 2:24 reads, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.” Then, too, Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:25 related Christ’s own words about the part His own physical body would play in the redemptive plan of God. Just before His betrayal by Judas He declared, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
Scripture reveals the mind-boggling exchange of ‘sin for sainthood’ offered to every man by Jesus Christ. Paul makes that abundantly clear when he writes, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) God’s Son is the stand alone supreme donor as contended in 1 Timothy 2:4-5. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” And there are absolutely no compatibility issues whatsoever associated with the exchange of sin for salvation. “For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13, John 3:16)
At this Christmas season millions of gifts will be thoughtfully given and happily received. Most will be joyfully exchanged under a tree. A few select others may even come via some surgeon’s skilled and life-extending hands. But no gift will ever match that of being the precious recipient of the One for whom the holiday is named. His love compelled Him to freely donate His all and to give His very best even while we were at our very worst.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)
Bill Breckenridge
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Cost of Christmas
Christmas is becoming extremely costly especially if you take literally the folklore of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." I ran across a newspaper article listing the song’s itemized costs and wondered how our outlays for the incarnation holiday (holiday actually means "holy day") got so out of hand.
The article’s author took as a benchmark the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and, pricing each gift, made a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 shopping costs for the dozen items "my true love gave to me."
This exercise is obviously a total secularization of Christmas since the daily items have nothing to do with Christ except by accepting questionable tradition or simply promoting wild stretches of the imagination.
The traditional view is that the twelve days of Christmas are December 25 through January 5 leading to Epiphany on January 6, which celebrates the arrival of the wise men. It is observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some believe that the gift items are analogies of God’s serialized love for believers or even veiled encouragement for the faithful in times of persecution.
But back to the high cost of financial fantasy for Christmas in 2009. As Bill wrote in the previous blog, Dan Hephin reveals the full bill for the gifts of the twelve days of Christmas is $87,403, up less than one percent over 2008.
Lost in the pricing is the real cost of Christmas to the original participants. I wrote about this last year, but it’s worth repeating.
First, Joseph had to struggle with marrying an expectant wife without the baby being his child. Maintaining celibacy until she delivered was a costly exercise in self restraint.
Mary gave up a community-accepted pregnancy, probably attended by incredulous sneers. She would live her remaining years in the shadow of shame and expecting her Christ child’s Cross. Mary twice traveled the 70-mile journey south, first to meet Elizabeth and then with Joseph to Bethlehem. To avoid a murderous Herod, the family would flee at night for the arduous round trip to Egypt.
Earlier, Zecharias’ part as John’s father cost him his ability to speak for nine months.
\
Faithful Messiah-watchers Anna and Simeon voluntarily paid the price by regular Temple visits and were rewarded with seeing their long-awaited Savior.
Shepherds left their midnight vigils over their flocks in the fields to make an impromptu visit to a humble cow stall and then shared the news with what were likely incredulous hearers.
Wise men traveled as long as two years for their brief gift-giving visit, and then found their lives jeopardized by a raging jealous King Herod.
Countless children under the age of two and their bereaved mothers would pay with life and grief as Herod’s soldiers rampaged through the area. Years ago, I visited a grave crypt near the Church of the Nativity where piles of infant skulls were interred. Our guide said they could have come from that distant infant slaughter.
Spiritual stress was borne by the nativity characters as demonic forces collided with angelic throngs over Bethlehem, a warfare obliquely seen in Revelation 12:4 which says, "…and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."
All these costs, grim as they were, pale in comparison with God the beneficent Father and His given Son, who volunteered for the harsh journey from Heaven to earth. John 3:16 has it, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." When the Second person of the Trinity left Heaven for earth, it was a forgone conclusion that He would die and shed His precious blood, a priceless act providing access to redemption for all men.
Christmas cost God His Son and it cost His Son His life—all to give us the gift of eternal life (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8 and Titus 2:14).
Accepting God’s gift is the ultimate immediate thanks. Living for Christ out of gratitude dignifies His gift on a continuing basis. Let’s all think about the cost of the gift this Christmas, receive it if we haven’t and live for Him if we have.
Dave Virkler
The article’s author took as a benchmark the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and, pricing each gift, made a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 shopping costs for the dozen items "my true love gave to me."
This exercise is obviously a total secularization of Christmas since the daily items have nothing to do with Christ except by accepting questionable tradition or simply promoting wild stretches of the imagination.
The traditional view is that the twelve days of Christmas are December 25 through January 5 leading to Epiphany on January 6, which celebrates the arrival of the wise men. It is observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some believe that the gift items are analogies of God’s serialized love for believers or even veiled encouragement for the faithful in times of persecution.
But back to the high cost of financial fantasy for Christmas in 2009. As Bill wrote in the previous blog, Dan Hephin reveals the full bill for the gifts of the twelve days of Christmas is $87,403, up less than one percent over 2008.
Lost in the pricing is the real cost of Christmas to the original participants. I wrote about this last year, but it’s worth repeating.
First, Joseph had to struggle with marrying an expectant wife without the baby being his child. Maintaining celibacy until she delivered was a costly exercise in self restraint.
Mary gave up a community-accepted pregnancy, probably attended by incredulous sneers. She would live her remaining years in the shadow of shame and expecting her Christ child’s Cross. Mary twice traveled the 70-mile journey south, first to meet Elizabeth and then with Joseph to Bethlehem. To avoid a murderous Herod, the family would flee at night for the arduous round trip to Egypt.
Earlier, Zecharias’ part as John’s father cost him his ability to speak for nine months.
\
Faithful Messiah-watchers Anna and Simeon voluntarily paid the price by regular Temple visits and were rewarded with seeing their long-awaited Savior.
Shepherds left their midnight vigils over their flocks in the fields to make an impromptu visit to a humble cow stall and then shared the news with what were likely incredulous hearers.
Wise men traveled as long as two years for their brief gift-giving visit, and then found their lives jeopardized by a raging jealous King Herod.
Countless children under the age of two and their bereaved mothers would pay with life and grief as Herod’s soldiers rampaged through the area. Years ago, I visited a grave crypt near the Church of the Nativity where piles of infant skulls were interred. Our guide said they could have come from that distant infant slaughter.
Spiritual stress was borne by the nativity characters as demonic forces collided with angelic throngs over Bethlehem, a warfare obliquely seen in Revelation 12:4 which says, "…and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."
All these costs, grim as they were, pale in comparison with God the beneficent Father and His given Son, who volunteered for the harsh journey from Heaven to earth. John 3:16 has it, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." When the Second person of the Trinity left Heaven for earth, it was a forgone conclusion that He would die and shed His precious blood, a priceless act providing access to redemption for all men.
Christmas cost God His Son and it cost His Son His life—all to give us the gift of eternal life (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8 and Titus 2:14).
Accepting God’s gift is the ultimate immediate thanks. Living for Christ out of gratitude dignifies His gift on a continuing basis. Let’s all think about the cost of the gift this Christmas, receive it if we haven’t and live for Him if we have.
Dave Virkler
Terrible Tempest In Tigertown
He is the most recognizable single sports figure in the world and has earned nearly a billion dollars to date. But now, some of his staggering income may vanish forever in what may become the single biggest fall from sports grace ever!
He is Tiger Woods, the golfer who has dominated his sport more than any other. He may, in fact, have dominated his sport more than anyone has ever controlled any sport for that matter. His name has become synonymous with golf and has single-handedly lifted the sport to heights it enjoys today. But the recent scandal revealing his extra-marital activities may not affect his skill, but has surely begun to scare off a host of endorsers now that their prized athlete’s clean image has fallen into the gutter.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that advertisers have not aired TV commercials featuring Woods since shortly after the scandal broke. And Bloomberg News said that marketers have pulled all Tiger Woods ads from prime- time television broadcast networks, and 19 cable channels did likewise. The loss of income due to endorsement deals gone south is huge to Woods since estimates show that a whopping 90% of the golfer’s billion dollar earnings have come via that route.
Sin brings consequences. They may come soon. Or they may come later. But they will come. But the outward effects of sin are not always detectable in this life. In his letter to young Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote, “Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” (1 Timothy 5:24-25)
The bottom line is that while the knowledge of, and judgment for, sin may escape the eyes of finite men, the Bible assures in Hebrews 4 that nothing gets past the notice of an all-knowing God. Verse 13 reads, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” As Moses put it in Numbers 32:23, “and be sure your sin will find you out.”
No doubt millions of adoring Tiger fans will quickly forgive and forget. They may write off their idol’s actions as understandable. After all, he is filthy rich and he is the world’s most famous sports figure. That makes him a helpless target by scores of thrill-seeking and money-seeking women, making resisting all the temptations impractical. Some will turn their heads because they are blinded by the love of the sport. And there are those who feel that all eventually ends well since his offended wife stands to get some $300 million of his estate, should the couple part ways due to the high profile mess.
But what is most serious and most tragic is that some will make light of the golfer’s repeated indiscretions because they are simply blinded to the seriousness and consequences of sin. Scripture is clear that all sin is an offense to a Holy God and worthy of His judgement. (Romans 1:18-20) But it also reveals the increased level of seriousness when it comes in the form of Tiger Woods’ offense. 1 Corinthians 6:18 records the apostle’s words of warning. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
A sobered and repentant David realized the extent of his similar act in Psalm 51 where he confessed his hideous sin and did so to the one he offended most. Verses 3-4 read, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight.”
Tiger’s future, at least in the forum of public opinion, is up for grabs. But his primary problem remains not the regaining of his scared reputation, the loss of his highly lucrative endorsement deals, or even the repairing of the scared broken trust with his wife and family. His most crucial need now is to see what David saw and do what David did. What matters most now is that he ask God what David asked God in verses Psalm 51:910. David cried out, “Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Because the God of the Bible is also a God of love and mercy, David’s desperate plea is a miraculous possibility. It is within reach of any sinner - whether he be poor or rich. But the full spiritual repair of the eternal breech between God and man requires something huge and something personal. It requires the full admission of one’s own sinfulness. And it requires a fully faith-based acceptance and trust in Christ’s sacrifice for sin – something motivated by a full understanding of the words He Himself offered in Matthew 16:25-26.
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Bill Breckenridge
He is Tiger Woods, the golfer who has dominated his sport more than any other. He may, in fact, have dominated his sport more than anyone has ever controlled any sport for that matter. His name has become synonymous with golf and has single-handedly lifted the sport to heights it enjoys today. But the recent scandal revealing his extra-marital activities may not affect his skill, but has surely begun to scare off a host of endorsers now that their prized athlete’s clean image has fallen into the gutter.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that advertisers have not aired TV commercials featuring Woods since shortly after the scandal broke. And Bloomberg News said that marketers have pulled all Tiger Woods ads from prime- time television broadcast networks, and 19 cable channels did likewise. The loss of income due to endorsement deals gone south is huge to Woods since estimates show that a whopping 90% of the golfer’s billion dollar earnings have come via that route.
Sin brings consequences. They may come soon. Or they may come later. But they will come. But the outward effects of sin are not always detectable in this life. In his letter to young Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote, “Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” (1 Timothy 5:24-25)
The bottom line is that while the knowledge of, and judgment for, sin may escape the eyes of finite men, the Bible assures in Hebrews 4 that nothing gets past the notice of an all-knowing God. Verse 13 reads, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” As Moses put it in Numbers 32:23, “and be sure your sin will find you out.”
No doubt millions of adoring Tiger fans will quickly forgive and forget. They may write off their idol’s actions as understandable. After all, he is filthy rich and he is the world’s most famous sports figure. That makes him a helpless target by scores of thrill-seeking and money-seeking women, making resisting all the temptations impractical. Some will turn their heads because they are blinded by the love of the sport. And there are those who feel that all eventually ends well since his offended wife stands to get some $300 million of his estate, should the couple part ways due to the high profile mess.
But what is most serious and most tragic is that some will make light of the golfer’s repeated indiscretions because they are simply blinded to the seriousness and consequences of sin. Scripture is clear that all sin is an offense to a Holy God and worthy of His judgement. (Romans 1:18-20) But it also reveals the increased level of seriousness when it comes in the form of Tiger Woods’ offense. 1 Corinthians 6:18 records the apostle’s words of warning. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
A sobered and repentant David realized the extent of his similar act in Psalm 51 where he confessed his hideous sin and did so to the one he offended most. Verses 3-4 read, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight.”
Tiger’s future, at least in the forum of public opinion, is up for grabs. But his primary problem remains not the regaining of his scared reputation, the loss of his highly lucrative endorsement deals, or even the repairing of the scared broken trust with his wife and family. His most crucial need now is to see what David saw and do what David did. What matters most now is that he ask God what David asked God in verses Psalm 51:910. David cried out, “Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Because the God of the Bible is also a God of love and mercy, David’s desperate plea is a miraculous possibility. It is within reach of any sinner - whether he be poor or rich. But the full spiritual repair of the eternal breech between God and man requires something huge and something personal. It requires the full admission of one’s own sinfulness. And it requires a fully faith-based acceptance and trust in Christ’s sacrifice for sin – something motivated by a full understanding of the words He Himself offered in Matthew 16:25-26.
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Give The 12 Days of Christmas?
With Black Friday 2009 in the books, the Christmas rush is off and running. And for those searching for the most unique gift ever, price notwithstanding, perhaps giving the proverbial “12 days Of Christmas” items would do the trick.
According to the annual "Christmas Price Index" compiled by PNC Wealth Management, the final cost of the various items bought repeatedly according to the song’s lyrics would top $87,000. The figures are meant to be humorous. But no doubt someone somewhere will give in to the temptation of impressing someone they love with what would be the most unusual and unique gift on earth – or is it?
To say that Christmas has become primarily a commercial venture would be a gross understatement. Even in the midst of an ongoing economic downturn, retailers were happy about 2009 Black Friday sales as evidenced by the scores who stood in long for days to seal the deal of their choice. Some will no doubt still owe on items bought this year when their repeat performance approaches new year. Perhaps Lucy, in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, had the general concept right when she said of the commercialism at Christmas, "It's all run by a big eastern syndicate, you know."
Everyone can grasp the words to the old song, “Christmas is for children”. In many ways, it is just that, since to kids the holiday seems so magical. But not nearly as many know, or care to, that Christmas is for far more than about those who are the chronologically challenged. It is far more than giving or receiving gifts. And it lies far deeper than decorations, parties, and family gatherings - as wonderful and warming as those things may be.
At its core, Christmas is not primarily about the ‘select’ giving from one person to another person even though the basic idea is derived from the Bible's account in Matthew 2:7-11. Christmas is about the giving. But it is about the giving of the Creator God to the creatures to whom He gave life. His gift is so unique, and so costly, as to be infinitely beyond the purchase of even those who could easily afford to give the literal “12 Days”. Considering the very name, it should be obvious that Christmas is the gift that is Christ!
To say that God’s Christmas gift to man was costly to Himself would also be a major understatement. No mortal can ever comprehend the spiritual depths experienced by God’s Son when He willingly and lovingly fulfilled His destiny – the one spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:21. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” Then Romans 5:16 briefly reveals the reason, price, and the miraculous result when God’s supreme gift is personally embraced through faith. Paul writes in verse 16, “For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.” Never has there been a gift that costs so much on one end and yet is so freely offered on the other.
Towards the end of the cartoon Christmas classic, a highly frustrated Charlie Brown finally breaks down and cries out , “Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" It is then that little Linus Van Pelt steps into the stage spotlight and replies:
“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. '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.'"(Luke 2:8-14)
Christmas gifts may be large, expensive, thoughtful, and personal in nature. Then, too, they can at times be the polar opposite. But the gift that ‘is’ Christmas represents perfectly the essence of pure love with a divine purpose. (Romans 5:7-8)
Sometimes at this wonderful season, bumper stickers and mailboxes will offer the now well-known phrase, “Keep Christ In Christmas” or “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season”. These are lofty and lovely words and a reminder to say the least. But practically speaking this need not be said. A Christmas minus the ‘Christ’ leaves only a ‘mas’ – or better yet, a ‘mess’.
When there is more concern about the financial aspects of Black Friday than the spiritual events of Good Friday, there really is no reason for the season - other than a futile and fragile focus on temporary material things!
Bill Breckenridge
According to the annual "Christmas Price Index" compiled by PNC Wealth Management, the final cost of the various items bought repeatedly according to the song’s lyrics would top $87,000. The figures are meant to be humorous. But no doubt someone somewhere will give in to the temptation of impressing someone they love with what would be the most unusual and unique gift on earth – or is it?
To say that Christmas has become primarily a commercial venture would be a gross understatement. Even in the midst of an ongoing economic downturn, retailers were happy about 2009 Black Friday sales as evidenced by the scores who stood in long for days to seal the deal of their choice. Some will no doubt still owe on items bought this year when their repeat performance approaches new year. Perhaps Lucy, in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, had the general concept right when she said of the commercialism at Christmas, "It's all run by a big eastern syndicate, you know."
Everyone can grasp the words to the old song, “Christmas is for children”. In many ways, it is just that, since to kids the holiday seems so magical. But not nearly as many know, or care to, that Christmas is for far more than about those who are the chronologically challenged. It is far more than giving or receiving gifts. And it lies far deeper than decorations, parties, and family gatherings - as wonderful and warming as those things may be.
At its core, Christmas is not primarily about the ‘select’ giving from one person to another person even though the basic idea is derived from the Bible's account in Matthew 2:7-11. Christmas is about the giving. But it is about the giving of the Creator God to the creatures to whom He gave life. His gift is so unique, and so costly, as to be infinitely beyond the purchase of even those who could easily afford to give the literal “12 Days”. Considering the very name, it should be obvious that Christmas is the gift that is Christ!
To say that God’s Christmas gift to man was costly to Himself would also be a major understatement. No mortal can ever comprehend the spiritual depths experienced by God’s Son when He willingly and lovingly fulfilled His destiny – the one spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:21. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” Then Romans 5:16 briefly reveals the reason, price, and the miraculous result when God’s supreme gift is personally embraced through faith. Paul writes in verse 16, “For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.” Never has there been a gift that costs so much on one end and yet is so freely offered on the other.
Towards the end of the cartoon Christmas classic, a highly frustrated Charlie Brown finally breaks down and cries out , “Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" It is then that little Linus Van Pelt steps into the stage spotlight and replies:
“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. '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.'"(Luke 2:8-14)
Christmas gifts may be large, expensive, thoughtful, and personal in nature. Then, too, they can at times be the polar opposite. But the gift that ‘is’ Christmas represents perfectly the essence of pure love with a divine purpose. (Romans 5:7-8)
Sometimes at this wonderful season, bumper stickers and mailboxes will offer the now well-known phrase, “Keep Christ In Christmas” or “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season”. These are lofty and lovely words and a reminder to say the least. But practically speaking this need not be said. A Christmas minus the ‘Christ’ leaves only a ‘mas’ – or better yet, a ‘mess’.
When there is more concern about the financial aspects of Black Friday than the spiritual events of Good Friday, there really is no reason for the season - other than a futile and fragile focus on temporary material things!
Bill Breckenridge
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