Christmas is right around the corner, and people are out in crowds shopping this year, but something feels a bit off…maybe it’s the little sparkle of joy you might find among those who are bustling through the stores; where is the spirit of Christmas, the magic we hold so dear in our hearts.
Everywhere I’ve gone recently, the spirit of Christmas is somewhat lacking. People are barking at one another, eagerly standing in lines with no smiles on their faces; you don’t hear Christmas songs in all the stores either, it’s a different kind of year for sure. It’s like the news station (whom interviewed a woman) searching for the spirit of the season, as they answer children’s letters to Santa. “Gone are the simpler times” the woman said, “when a child (under the age of 12) would ask for a pair of warm fuzzy slippers, board games or a toy; today they want I Pads, X Box games or a new cell phone”. It’s true, this society has created little people that want it all, and they want it now. It wasn’t quite like that when I grew up, it was family gathering together around the tree, while we (as children) sang Christmas songs for all to hear; it was pure magic as love filled the air. I recall my great-great grandmother sitting in her rocking chair next to the tree, rosy cheeks and a big smile. When we were done singing, she passed out one gift at a time and as we (children) sat patiently, it was hard to contain the excitement we felt. We were happy kids; and we were grateful for every little thing, even if we didn’t get what we had hoped for. I’m not sure the kids of today know what that feels like.
There are fantastic movies which capture the seasons ‘real’ spirit; It’s a Wonderful Life (starring Jimmy Stewart), Prancer (starring Sam Elliot), The Family Man (staring Nicholas Cage) and of course ‘The Nativity Story’. As for animated there’s ‘The Drummer Boy’ and my all-time favorite “Charlie Browns Christmas.” I think today there are a lot of ‘Charlie Browns’ out there; heads looking down (except they’re all in their cell phones), and not very happy. As Charlie Brown stated…and I quote, “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.” Oh, there’s a lot of Charlie Browns in this world today, and as we know…it’s not about the glitz and gifts, it’s so much more. Charlie Brown struggled with his emotions, as he felt that Christmas was too commercialized, not to mention his dog Snoopy who covered his house with decorations and lights, in hopes of winning the local contest. Furthering his despair, his sister ‘Lucy’ also has asked Santa for cash or real-estate; this doesn’t sound so far off in todays’ world. As Charlie Brown puts in his best effort to be involved with his school Christmas play, he realizes no one is paying attention, as they fill the stage with antics and bickering; he walks off the stage. Linus approaches, dressed as a shepherd, voicing quotes from the Gospel of Luke… “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.”… That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. – Linus Van Pelt.
Charlie Brown is a classic movie for all ages, and sends us the message of real Love, knowing where this story derived from; the Bible. For those of you interested in the real Christmas Story, you can click here https://www.whychristmas.com/story/birth.shtml .
My wish for all the world this Christmas Season is to remember that we are all human, so take the time to give someone a smile or hug, as we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus…because that’s what Christmas is truly about.
Make this Christmas Season count.
