LIGHTS PLEASE

I was born on November 9, 1965.

One month later, to the day, on December 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" aired for the first time.

What a classic.

I don't watch it every year, but when I notice it is on, I watch it.

Tonight was one of those nights.

You want to know what's funny?  We own a blu-ray of the timeless classic...so I could watch it any time!

The "dance scene" when they are getting ready to rehearse the play makes me laugh every time.  If you watch it, take a look at the boy in the back doing the "running man."  WAY ahead of his time!

But my ultimate favorite scene is when Charlie Brown, after going to get the little Christmas tree that looks more like the little tree branch, comes back to more ridicule.  He is so taken back by all the commercialism of the Holiday (thus picking a tree that nobody would even consider because it wasn't the biggest or brightest) that he cries out, "IS THERE ANYONE WHO KNOWS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT?"

His best friend (next to his dog Snoopy), Linus, says, "Sure Charlie Brown..I can tell you what Christmas is all about."  Linus proceeds to the center of the stage and says, "Lights please."

"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 shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring 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 Saviour, 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 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

And grabbing his blanket and walking off stage, Linus says to Charlie Brown, "That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

If you are having a rough time, this time of year....if you are ready to put 2017 to bed...if you are having difficulty declaring this as your BEST YEAR YET, watch the clip here.

I told the CHEERLEADER as we were watching that this is my FAVORITE scene in television history.

There is so much LIFE....so much HOPE in this minute speech done by an animated character because he's quoting the WORD OF GOD!

As you go through the next few days, searching for that last minute gift; going to the store for those ingredients to make that special Christmas dish, only to find that the shelves have been cleaned out (quick note: if that happens to you, don't take out your frustration on the guy or gal ringing up your groceries...not their fault you didn't shop earlier in the week)...if you are tempted to be frustrated, remember the words Linus spoke and say to yourself, 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Because THAT's what CHRISTMAS is all about!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!