Of Charlie Brown, Linus, and the Message of Christmas

By Ken Canedo

If legendary cartoonist Charles Schultz were alive today, I imagine he would have a hard time pitching the idea of A Charlie Brown Christmas to the television networks.

"Okay, Mr. Schultz. We like the idea of your hapless Charlie Brown searching for some meaning behind the commercialism of Christmas," says one imaginary network exec while chomping on his stereotypical cigar. "But we have a problem with Linus on page 58."

"Oh?" says Mr. Schultz, concerned.

"Yeah," says the exec. "Blanket Boy starts quoting the Bible! I mean, you had a good thing going in this Christmas story and you kill it by bringing in religion."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Schultz," says a second exec. "It's too controversial. We have to reject A Charlie Brown Christmas!"

Charles Schultz's masterpiece is unique among all the holiday TV specials because it explicitly discusses the Nativity of Jesus within secular trappings. In today's "politically correct" environment — when Christmas trees are renamed as "holiday trees" — the Peanuts gang's candid religiosity is remarkable and daring.

The story of the birth of Christ is already filled with rich imagery and metaphor: Mary and Joseph, no room at the inn, angels, shepherds, the magi and the star all contribute to the compelling and unforgettable tapestry of the Incarnation. And yet, modern society seems to have a need to create an alternate mythology for the season, overrun by elves, flying reindeer, frosty snowmen, grumpy misers, a jolly red-suited gift giver, and a partridge in a pear tree. Baby Jesus is in danger of getting smothered by the holiday scarves and coats that are layered on top of his crib at his own birthday party!

But there is no need for Christians to get antagonistic about the secular celebration of Christmas. As I have observed in these Advent Spirit Spots, why not use Scrooge and Rudolph and Santa as an opportunity to share the Christmas message with those who might not yet know Christ? After all, Christmas is the celebration of God in human trappings, the sacred breaking through in the secular. Joy to the World!

So, have yourself a merry little Christmas! And God bless us, everyone!