Remember the Charlie Brown Christmas Special, Charlie Brown? How about the part where Charlie Brown is frustrated that he cannot figure out what Christmas is all about?
Charles Schultz wanted the true meaning of Christmas to be reflected in his Christmas Story. Being a Christian, he wanted the truth of Christmas to be the central part of this TV episode. Against the advice and pleas from TV executives and producers, Charles Schultz had Linus come out on stage and read the account of the Lord’s birth found in Luke 2.
I remember the first time I saw this special. I did not grow up in a Christian home. God took a back seat for most of my childhood. I became interested in the story of Christ’s birth after watching Linus recite the Bible account. Fortunately, I had a godly grandmother who saw my new interest and began to tell me more about Christ and his journey to our broken world. Those small seeds early in my childhood would start to grow slowly until my conversion at 18. Today I have been proclaiming this story as a pastor for over 29 years. The birth of Christ transformed my life.
Have you ever noticed the overwhelming theme in most Christmas TV shows and movies? The characters are trying to discover the true meaning of the season. Some return to the account of Christ’s birth, some focus on family, some on self-sacrifice, some find it in a newly discovered relationship, and many miss the mark entirely. There are so many stories at this time of year. I enjoy many of them, but it concerns me that due to all the stories around us, we assume that the birth of Christ is just a story. That assumption can become disastrous.
Peter, the disciple of the Lord who denied Him at His trial, the great apostle who gave his life for Christ, wrote, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). He saw Christ. He followed Christ. He watched Christ die and was an eyewitness to the resurrection of Christ. Peter was there when the sick were healed and the dead rose back to life. He was there for the teachings and instructions given by the Lord. Peter’s experience with Christ was something we can only wish to have seen and experienced.
Peter knew that his experiences would soon be clouded by fables that would distract from the Truth in Christ. Fables confuse and distract. Fables can change reality simply into another story. What was once the truth becomes a myth. Soon the myth will be abandoned as more fables arise. I cannot tell you how many have said to me that Jesus and his birth was just a story, a fable, a myth with no relevance today.
Peter’s declaration talked about how he was an eyewitness of Christ and His power. Peter’s friend and ministry companion, John, states, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3 John reminded his readers that he also had personally experienced Jesus. Paul would mention hundreds that saw Christ alive after the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.
There is no doubt that Jesus, His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection really occurred. Don’t let all of the fables of this season cloud and distract us from all truth of Jesus’ birth. He came to rescue you. He came to redeem you. He came to you so you can know God and have a relationship with God restored.
Get some hot chocolate. Watch a Christmas movie. Enjoy your holiday traditions. Spend time with your family. And at some point, gather the kids, open the Bible, and rejoice that Jesus came to us and for us.
Merry Christmas!
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