Advent Reflections: December 18

Joy 

“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.”

Luke 2:13-14 

Reflection

In the Christmas favorite, A Charlie Brown Christmas, a disenchanted Charlie Brown finds himself frustrated with the over commercialization of the Christmas season. Encouraged by his opportunity to direct the school Christmas play, he does his best to instill the true meaning of Christmas in his seemingly clueless group of friends. When his final attempt to restore the Christmas spirit by purchasing a miserable and dying little Christmas Tree fails, Charlie finally reaches his breaking point! He's had enough! In a heart-felt cry that encapsulates all of his holiday angst and frustration, he utters the now familiar words, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” It’s at this point that his loyal friend Linus, wise beyond his years, walks up to the stage microphone and eloquently recites the words of Luke 2:8-14.

 "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”

“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Amen, Linus! Thank you!

  

Prayer

Lord, as we read these words, words that encourage such joy for all mankind, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 
Amen