One of the most powerful lines spoken in A Charlie Brown Christmas is by Linus. After Charlie Brown suffers from the ridicule of the Peanuts gang for choosing a meek and scrawny Christmas tree, he becomes disheartened. Up to this point, even though the Christmas season is here and have every reason to be happy; he isn't. Distraught, he blurts out and asks if anyone knows what Christmas is all about. Yes, Charlie Brown, someone knows what Christmas is all about. In true, gentle Linus-fashion, Linus tells Charlie he knows what Christmas is all about. Linus proceeds to walk to the middle of the stage, calls for lights out, and begins to recite the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. When he is all done, a great peace comes over Charlie Brown, and he smiles. He walks over, picks up his tree, and takes it home. He sets it down in front of Snoopy's dog house, only to observe that his dog has won first prize in the Christmas decorating contest. In an attempt to decorate his tree, he grabs one of the over-sized Christmas bulbs and places it on his tree, only to watch it sag under the weight. Charlie Brown feels defeated again. Shortly afterwards, Linus and the rest of the gang show up, and Linus makes a very simple but powerful statement as he wraps his blue blanket around its base- "It's not such a bad tree. It just needs a little love." Borrowing the decorations from Snoopy's house, they surround the little tree and decorate it in a frenzy. Stepping away, the Peanuts gang and Charlie Brown are all smiles as the meek and scrawny tree is transformed into a full and vibrant Christmas tree.
The little sagging tree was a reflection of Charlie Brown's heart. Many people feel that emptiness and loneliness, even more so around the holidays. A little love and adornment was all the tree needed to become full and vibrant. People are no different. A little love and adornment (encouragement) goes a long way. God gave us the greatest gift of love anyone could give - His son, Jesus Christ. The emptiness people feel is real, and only Jesus Christ can fill them and make them whole - full and vibrant with life! Let us not become so busy in life, that we pass by those who feel empty and weighted down by the cares of this world. Just as Linus wrapped his small blue blanket around the base of the tree; smiles, words of encouragement, or even some homemade baked cookies are a few simple ways to embrace others with the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
