“And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”-Matthew 1:21

On December 9, 1965, the now classic movie, A Charlie Brown Christmas, was first aired on television. Every year since then (for 59 years!) the little short, sweet, potent cartoon movie has aired consistently on television each Christmas season. I don’t remember exactly how old I was when I first saw the movie, probably a kindergartener or first grader. When I saw it, I was captivated. It has remained my favorite Christmas movie of all time! I love to watch it every Christmas, even now when I'm almost a 50 year old. Why? Well, it’s humorous. I love the jazz music. It’s silly yet serious. The kids’ voices are fantastic. Snoopy is such a character. And I am so thankful and touched by how the simple, short movie reminds me each year what Christmas is really about. For at the end, Linus shares Luke 2:8-14 which summarizes Christmas’ true meaning.

We need frequent reminders of what’s important, do we not? The truth is, we are forgetful, especially about the things of God. We’re leaky and prone to wander. So it’s ever worthwhile to recall the truth about Christmas yet again. God came down for us! God came to seek and save the lost (that’s all of us). God is with us. I appreciate how Chuck Swindoll put it: “Emmanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn’t come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety.”

Let’s remember to remember — Christmas is about Jesus. Christmas is about being thankful that we actually have hope because Christ saves and transforms us as we surrender our lives to Him. Christmas is Jesus. After all, the very meaning of the name which Joseph was instructed to give the child, Jesus, says it all, “The Lord saves.”

This Christmas, enjoy the lights and presents and treats and music and egg nog (if you enjoy such a strange drink). But most importantly, let’s slow down and be in wonder of a God who’s so good and great that He’d send His One and Only Son to save. “But to all who believed in Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Cheer up, friends!

-Scott