Charlie Brown? Hope of the World.

I grew up waiting each Christmas season for two special TV shows to appear on our old television set. Yes, I grew up in the “Dark Ages”, according to my teenager. There weren’t video recordings nor hundreds of channels with millions of re-runs. You had one chance, once a year. That was it.

I anxiously awaited, A Charlie Brown Christmas which was followed by The Grinch That Stole Christmas. I would sit in the basement, next to the aluminum Christmas tree with the weird color wheel turning. Mom, would bring down the freshly popped corn which was coated with the most divine candy coating and we would make popcorn balls. With popcorn ball in hand, I sat criss-cross apple sauce on the floor and watch as Charlie Brown and the gang lit up our small television.  

I was always partial to this particular seasonal show over all the others, including Rudolph and the Grinch, because Linus always told the Christmas story. The real story from the Bible.

Luke 2: KJV

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.

------

Even as a child of eight this story filled my heart and life with a smile. I knew the truth. I knew who Jesus was and even at that young age He had a grip on my soul. And at that tender age He knew I would turn run away from Him.

Yet, He never let go of me. He watched over me during the dark and dangerous years of clubbing in Las Vegas. He commanded angles to walk with me even when I was arrogant, vulgar, mean and completely self-absorbed.

He looked down on this girl of eight and delighted with me as I smiled at Charlie Brown, knowing full well the many hurting and broken people I would leave in my wake of selfishness. Oh but, He never let go.

He relentlessly pursued me to return home. I found my way home, gently guided by the love of Jesus.

I returned ashamed and broken. Knowing full well I deserved to die for the pain I caused in so many lives including my own.

The enemy worked my shame.

I am not worthy to be forgiven.

I’m so broken, I could never tell anyone else about God.

I’m utterly so messed up, I can’t possibly be loved by anyone.

I can never make up for the havoc I have wreaked.

Worthless, insignificant, useless empty.

 But that story of the babe in the manger is THE story. That child wrapped in swaddling clothes became my Redeemer. I was made free.

From shame.

From failure.

From the lies.

So on this Christmas, with all that has been redeemed in my past, with all that the Lord has done in my life in the past year alone, I will acclaim the King, born of a peasant. Born in humility. I will honor Him with my life.

To Him I will give my worship, adoration, praise and thanksgiving. I will celebrate this Holy day, Christmas like a girl of eight. With delight in my eyes and happiness in my heart.

Merry Christmas, Love Lynn

Comments

[Warren Baldwin]

Linked here from FB. I remember the Charlie Brown Christmas show, and my parents commenting on how they liked it, too, b/c it gave the biblical Christmas story. My wife and I felt the same way years later when our own kids watched it.

You have a good testimonty here: "He relentlessly pursued me to return home." This is a wonderful season to reflect on the grace and mercy of the one who came to the manger.

Good post.
wb

[Noreen]

Sweet friend, I'm so thankful He doesn't let us go~even in the midst of the darkness of our hearts. Loved reading this and smiled for it reflected me early life too.
Hugs to you today,
Noreen

[Melanie]

How thankful I am that He NEVER lets us go... regardless of what we do or where we go!!

I always watched Charlie Brown Christmas each year, too. Always loving that he shared the true meaning of Christmas. As I watched it again this year with my children, I said a special thank you for shows the kids love that share the love of Jesus! I love how my sweet childhood memories become more special as I share them with my children!

Merry, Merry Christmas, Lynn!

[Dineen Miller]

Amen! I'm continually in awe of the depth of God's love. :-) Merry Christmas!

[Caroline]

He faithfully loves us no matter what. Thank you Lynn. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Denise]

Bless you dear Lynn, love you.

[Cindi]

Thank you Lynn, you and Dineen have such a gift of writing and your written word is always such an inspiration and source of encouragement for all of us. "Honoring Him with our Lives" It really is what frees us. Have a very special Christmas with Christ...Love Cindi

[Iris]

Okay - I will try to comment again (our internet went down as soon as I hit submit)...

I was saying...I can't even imagine that you have ever been mean...but then again (if we are totally honest) we all have strayed in on form or another -- maybe not in Vegas, but elsewhere (I am right there with you)...I am glad that He never let go of me...I hope that many will receive and unwrapped the marvelous free gift of love and salvation offered by Christ this Christmas.

Merry Christmas, my sweet friend...

[Angela (Ang4him)]

Oh Lynn - this was always one of my favorites as well. I too remember the big fanfare every year when this would come on.

Your words "He relentlessly pursued me to return home" describe my life as well. Although my parents did not know Him, somehow I did. And Linus' telling of the true Christmas story always touched me as well. I too walked away from Him, but am eternally grateful that He chose to never give up on me. He loves me passionately and relentlessly. Amen to that! And thank you for the reminder!