We have seen his star in the east,
and are come to worship him.
—Matthew 2:2
Charles Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas made its television debut on December 9, 1965. Fearing that quoting the Bible would offend viewers, network officials asked Schulz to omit the “Christmas story.” Schulz refused.
In the animated special, Charlie Brown asks if anyone can tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus reads from Luke 2:
“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.”
“That,” said Linus, “is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
I don’t know when Jesus was born. No one does. But I’m glad that, for at least a moment, many pause to thank God that he was.
Merry Christmas