The Real Meaning of Christmas

Wayne Creed December 25, 2022 3 minutes read

In the Charles Schulz A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown picks an unattractive Christmas tree to decorate the stage for the upcoming Christmas play. The selection of the tree represents a protest against the commercialization of Christmas.

Note: To all of our Jewish and Muslem friends out there, remember, we’re riding the same bus on the same line, so we got you too.

The hijacking of Christmas is a legitimate complaint, but it is Charlie’s struggles with isolation that are relatable to many who struggle during the holiday season. But those all too familiar problems are why the ending is as powerful now as it ever was.

Here was a child who acknowledged the sadness beneath the festivity, the loneliness, the search for meaning under glitz and tinsel. The Charlie Brown film cut to the core and demanded to know the meaning of Christmas, and got a perfect answer.

A Charlie Brown Christmas presents the issues of the season honestly, and then allows Linus to deliver the most hopeful message of all.

Retrieved from A Charlie Brown Christmas:

"I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this 
little tree," said Charlie Brown. "Everything I do turns into 
a disaster. I guess I don't really know what Christmas is 
all about. Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas 
is all about?"

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," 
said Linus. [Linus walks to center stage.] 

"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 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 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 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.

                 --Book 42, Luke (002:08-14)
                   The Bible, King James Version

[Linus picks up his blanket and shuffles off-stage.]