December 25, 2020
Christmas
When we gathered for morning prayer in the Parish Office, we could hear Christmas music playing on the radio. I recognized the sound – from A Charlie Brown Christmas! It was a TV special first airing in 1965 on CBS. The animation was basic produced on a modest budget. Many thought that it would be a flop, but the large audience enjoyed it – it has become a holiday classic. It received an Emmy and Peabody Award. What made it novel was all the Peanuts characters had voices of child actors. Two things have entered our cultural awareness. Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree and Linus’ reciting Luke 2:8-14. The “fresh” tree was a sapling with needles falling off. It was a sad sap of a tree. After laughter and ridicule, Charlie says to Linus, I guess you were right. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I don’t really know what Christmas is all about. Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus replies, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. ..Lights please!” On center stage Linus recites these memorable verses:
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (King James Version of the Bible)
We learn what Christmas is all about in these verses. Angels are God’s messengers. The shepherds are tending sheep on the hills around Bethlehem – the sheep that will become offerings at the temple in Jerusalem. We are tending to our affairs during a difficult time. We feel isolated. We are worried about catching or spreading Covid-19. We are gripped by fear and uncertainty. We are experiencing loss and diminishment. There are empty chairs at our Christmas table. We are keenly aware of the missing ones. We are also mindful of so many who are sacrificing, risking their lives, providing care and services. Do we hear the message of the angels? “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Like the shepherds, only with honesty and humility, recognizing our low condition, our poverty, can we welcome Jesus as our Savior.
“Inn” in our Gospel refers to a place for travelers. There was no room in the inn. In Greek, the word for “inn” can also be translated “guest room.” In the Gospel according to St. Luke, near the end of Jesus’ life, he directs his disciples to find a “guest room” to celebrate their last Passover together. It will be known as the “upper room” of the Last Supper. May we have a “guest room” in our hearts and in our homes to welcome Jesus at Christmas.
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