Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas!

I just watched Miracle on 34th Street. I don't know that I've ever seen all of it before (even this time I watched most of it and then had to go back and catch the beginning). I really, really enjoyed it. In fact, I would have probably watched it through again if my brother hadn't wanted to go to bed in the adjoining room. It is a classic movie about one man who believes he is Santa Claus and how people believe and disbelieve him. It got me thinking again about the nature and character of Santa Claus. He's good natured, amiable, kind, just, hard working, playful, and just plain loves people. St. Nicholas was a probably the bishop of Myra, Turkey in the fourth century. He became well known for his generosity and holiness. I also just reread The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and it has Father Christmas on the side of Aslan (if you have no idea what I'm talking about hethen I demand that you spend Christmas with your family and friends, read the birth narative, and then tomorrow go find that book and read it). Aslan is superior but Father Christmas is a servant and a blessing. I think that we could learn a lot about Christ if we actually considered Santa Claus. Of course, I'm not saying that he is real or should take priority, but I would certainly be intersted in a book or, even better, a sermon on Santa and Jesus. What would be even better is a sermon series on Christ in Christmas movies. I know a lot people that might not come to church for a regular Christmas series, but might be interested in coming to see something like 'God and the Grinch' or 'A Charlie Brown Christmas Service'. By the way, 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is the only movie that I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. I can't say that about any other movie. But I can imagine a Christmas scene where the three wise men come bearing gifts: Charlie Brown, Santa, and the Grinch. It would crtainly give you food for thought. So before I go to dream of Sugar Plum Fairies, I'll leave you with a final quote from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'. Think about it.

Charlie Brown: (shouting in desperation) Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.) "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks 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 this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and 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'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown.