Once a Year .......

For me the one TV Christmas special that stands heads above the rest is A Charlie Brown Christmas.

It is such a low key and gentle special that isn't noisy. The music is considered a classic today , done by the late Vince Guaraldi .The jazzy , fluid styling fit the feel of the special perfectly.

But what I love the best about this special, it deals with real themes and a rather heavy handed message. Everyone I'm sure knows the story . I will not repeat it but I'm so thankful that once a year , children who have had no contact with God , hear His word clearly read by Linus.

When Linus takes the stage in dead silence , after Charlie Brown laments,"Isn't there anybody who knows what Christmas is all about?" , we hear God's wonderful word . Luke 2:8-14 is recited. Linus then walks back and simply states ,"Thats what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

So for many children who have never dawned the door post of a church , they hear the glorious message of a Savior , Jesus Christ was born . God's word can do amazing things to the heart, for looking back I know this unique special ,moved me in ways I later realized that God was at work on me.

Plus what a wonderful ending carol ,Hark the Herald Angels Sing. With that wonderful line , God and sinners reconciled. It is so simple but profound. So God bless this Christmas tradition because of all of them , at the core is Jesus Christ.

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"


Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Charles Wesley