I love the Peanuts television special where Charlie Brown, in a moment of frustration, yells out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Linus Van Pelt steps to the center of the stage and says, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then quotes Luke 2:8-14: “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 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 turns to his friend and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!”

I think you would agree with me that the Christmas season is a time that is loved by many and hated by perhaps as many. Regardless of your feelings on the issue, this much is certainly true: the Christmas season is a time filled with many misconceptions regarding the true reason for the season. For many people, Christmas represents a time for parties, meals, and get-togethers. Others see it as a time of commercialism and outright greed.

Unfortunately, many children understand nothing of the true meaning of Christmas, and know it only as a time for Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. At a time when we should be remembering the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have allowed the Christmas story to be mixed with messages that have their origin in the world, not in the Bible. As a result, many children (and even some adults, for that matter) have no idea what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

I don’t know who wrote it, but I like how someone has compared Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus Christ:

*Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus lives everywhere.
*Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
*Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help.
*Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks.
*Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs.
*You have to wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
*Santa lets you sit on his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands.
*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. Jesus has a heart full of love.
*Santa’s elves make new toys. Jesus makes new lives.
*Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our Gift and died on a tree.

Thank God for the true meaning of Christmas! God has given us His inspired, infallible Word, and tells us in no uncertain terms the true reason for the season! Galatians 4:4-5 states, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Praise God! That IS what Christmas is all about! So may I say again, as many others do this time of year, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season!” AMEN!