What is so special about Charlie Brown?

Last night on ABC I watched with my daughter "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The boys were in study hall, they had the option to take an early study hall and watch the program, but declined.

I had been looking forward to seeing it this season, as I do every season. Of all of the Christmas specials, this one is my favorite. I hadn't thought of why that was until the receptionist at work yesterday asked me why. That started me thinking.

What struck me was that for starters the show is pre-PC, and also that it rails against the commercialization of Christmas and tries to get to the meaning of Christmas. After watching it last night, it seems to me that Charlie Brown didn't really understand Christmas, but he knew - instictively maybe - that it was more than presents and lights and pink aluminum Christmas trees.

In a fit of frustration as he tries to direct the Christmas play at the school, he shouts out if anyone can tell him what Christmas is. In response Linus (who I always think will be a minister when he grows up) says:

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.

Although the show is billed as being about a boy who searches for the meaning of Christmas, I don't really believe that is what it is about. Everyone, I don't care who you are or what faith you subscribe too, knows the "meaning of Christmas." It signifies the day that Jesus was born. What I think Charlie is really looking for, and eventually finds, is the heart of Christmas. The things that people do to try and live up to the last line in Linus' speech, "...and on earth peace, good will toward men."