One of the special memories of Christmas past is of my children and I, snuggled under the covers on my bed, all settled in to watch Christmas specials. Whether it was Frosty, or Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer or Charlie Brown Christmas never mattered. It was always a special time. Today, however, I am remembering Charlie Brown.
How can we ever forget Charlie Brown? The little, depressed boy in search of the true meaning of Christmas? Even the small, straggly Christmas tree on the lot has earned the name, “The Charlie Brown Tree” and we all know what than means.
But I think the most telling part is when he asks the question:
“Isn’t there anybody who can tell me what Christmas is all about?”
Thankfully, his little friend, Linus answers:
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”
Did you know the line almost did not make it into the program?
The executives did not want to have Linus reciting the story of the birth of Christ from the Gospel of Luke; the network orthodoxy of the time assumed that viewers would not want to sit through passages of the King James Version of the Bible. A story reported on the Whoopi Goldberg-hosted version of the making of the program stated that Charles Schulz was adamant about keeping this scene in, remarking, “If we don’t tell the true meaning of Christmas, who will?”
And you know what happened when it aired just the way Charles Schulz created it?
To the surprise of the executives, it was both a critical and commercial hit. None of the special’s technical problems detracted from the show’s appeal; to the contrary, it is thought that these so-called quirks, along with several other choices, are what lent the show such an innovative, authentic and sincere feeling. For instance, Linus’s recitation was hailed by critics such as Harriet Van Horne of the New York World-Telegram who said, “Linus’ reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season.”
(Both quotes taken from Wikipedia.com).
Linus knew and shared the reason for celebration.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11 KJV).
Today I am remembering the courage of Charles Schulz and the true meaning of Christmas.
*This is an edited repost from 2012.
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday .
I’m so glad that Charles Schulz held his ground and brought us that beautiful message of our Savior in that Charlie Brown classic, Joanne. And I’m glad you’re reminding us of his unyielding devotion to Christ in an environment that was hostile to the message. We all need to make those kinds of stands for Jesus. I’ll be sharing! Merry Christmas to you, Joanne!
Beth, Charles Schulz was leading by example and I wonder if he could even have realized how far reaching his example would be. May we be as strong in our devotion to Christ. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I didn’t know that story, and I’m grateful for people like Charles Schulz who stand up for Truth. I’ll be sharing too! Merry Christmas!
Every Christmas I think of Charles Schulz and Linus 🙂 So glad I shared again!
A beautiful reminder to never be afraid to share our faith.
Alecia, every Christmas I think of Charles Schulz and Linus. May I be as faithful to share Jesus as he was. May you and your family have a Merry Christmas!
I love that courage! Especially while the world watches. What a great example that is for us each year. There’s nothing like Charlie Brown Christmas! Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes. Often, we think other people’s journeys are easier than ours. Crazy!
I had no idea! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it–it’s probably time to watch it again!
One of our favorites. YOU are one of my faves!!! xo