Christmas Movies, Pt. 8


"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 unto 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 Savior, 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.'" — Linus, "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

In 1965 a kids cartoon became a holiday classic. It's content is so beautiful and moving, it likely couldn't be made today. But nearly 50 years later, it's still the best way to spend Christmas Eve.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Synopsis: My favorite theatrical Christmas movie is "Die Hard," but probably my favorite trapping of the Christmas season is a 25-minutes cartoon. It's funny, it's cute, and it has a beautiful message about the reason for the season. The whole piece centers on Charlie Brown's frustration with the over commecialization of the holidays. He is angry and frustrated, until his friend Linus puts Christmas in perspective. He offers the heart of the Gospel, which is the heart of Christmas, and it changes his perspective. It should for us as well. It is beautiful and moving. It's the kind of true piece of commercial entertainment that couldn't be made today, but it endures as a classic. That gives me hope.
Rating: G
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

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