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At some point during the holiday season, without fail, you can find me sitting on the couch, in front of a television, bawling. I don’t know what it is, y’all. A Charlie Brown Christmas just does something to me. I’m cool through the whole beginning, but I really start to lose it when Charlie Brown selects that sweet, sad little tree at the Christmas tree lot. Then, everyone laughs at him, and he is just about ready to give up on Christmas. His buddy Linus won’t let him, though, because Linus knows what’s up. Your boy gets on stage and brings the house down with Luke 2: 8-14:

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.

Then, right before he drops the mic, Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is about, Charlie Brown.”

#Boom #AnyQuestions

Man, I LOVE decorating, holiday shopping, hot chocolate, and ornament parties. All of it. I mean, this is my most favorite time of the year. It’s weird. I don’t want any presents, don’t like crowds, can’t stand excess of any kind so it seems like it I’d hate it, right? You know what, though? It feels like a celebration. Even if some other folks don’t get it, I know why we’re all bustling around and singing.

It is so humbling to think of Mary and Joseph in a cold barn with a newborn Jesus. Jesus, who would end up sacrificing his life to save ours, on that night, was a newborn being loved on by his parents.  Just like our children were swaddled in that striped blanket that every hospital seems to have, so was Jesus, wrapped tightly to soothe him and make his transition into this world easier. No doubt Mary was cooing at him, and Joseph probably couldn’t stop staring at his little face. Little Baby Jesus.

And you know, that’s what I carry with me through the busy department stores, and pop-up ads. None of that bothers me. I don’t get angry or frustrated because, I’m focusing on Luke 2: 8-14. My heart is rooted in the why of the season. I’m like Linus, I get it.Regardless of what’s going on around me, the reason never changes. If you tear away the wrapping paper, remove the tinsel, and turn the Christmas songs off, we will still be celebrating the birth of a Savior. Yup. That’s what it’s about.

Want to get into the spirit of the season but not sure where to start? Check out these movies on Netflix to remind you the reason for the season: