Corona Devo 1391

We watched A Charlie Brown Christmas the other night as a family (Yes, it IS hard to coral 13, 15, and 17 year-olds into a family movie night, but once seated...everyone enjoyed the show!)  

Not unlike many of us, Charlie Brown struggles with not feeling "the true meaning" of Christmas, as his sister blatantly asks Santa for money ("How about tens and twenty's?"), and his friends demand shiny trees and create a "Christmas" play with no substance.

In his frustration and depression, Charlie Brown cries out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," his buddy Linus says gently.  

And then Linus steps forward and proceeds to the stage where he recites lines that are not from a play, but that come from Luke, Chapter 2 in the Bible: 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (10) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (12) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

(13) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  ~Luke 2:8-14

Linus exits the stage and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown"...and he's right.

It's not about the bling, the presents, the roast beast or the cookies in the tins.  It's about that boy-child born in a manger who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11). 

It's about Jesus being and bringing the good news that will cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10).

That's what Christmas is all about.

But still, not unlike Charlie Brown, it can be hard for us to find the true meaning of Christmas in our day to day.

But one avenue I have found leading to a truer form of the "Christmas spirit", is any avenue that leads away from serving ourselves and that leads to serving others.  

It's the way of Jesus, and while it may seem like an elusive quest, we will know it when we experience it.

Like yesterday.  We organized a humble Christmas party at the nursing home that our family has adopted.  I brought the cookies and cocoa and God did the rest.  

Santa was there, and Mrs. Claus too.  They brought gifts for every resident and gifts for the helper-students too.  Santa visited with each person and he even had a special gift for me too!

Some (very) talented members of our high school show choir sang and danced (exceptionally!) for the residents, who sang along and clapped to the holiday tunes that took them back to yesteryear.

Over 23 students and a few parents volunteered, gave of their time, and stepped out of their comfort-zones to serve cookies, play reindeer games, and to bring Christmas spirit to people who are often forgotten and almost always alone.  

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

~~~

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  

(37) “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? (39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  

(40) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  

(41) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (42) For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, (43) I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’  

(44) “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’  

(45) “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’  

(46) “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” ~Matthew 25:34-46  

~~~

Are we searching for "the true meaning" of Christmas today?  Our best bet is to search outside of ourselves.

It's about Jesus being and bringing the good news that will cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10), and it's about us sharing that good news with others this Christmas.

That's what Christmas is all about.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com