What Christmas is All About

My nephew's favorite book the day I was visiting was a good choice for December! Three times he pulled "A Charlie Brown Christmas" off his shelves to bring to me, climbing onto my lap and pointing to each character in turn.

I remember when we bought this story on animated video. Through all the years since, one part has hit me with goosebumps, chills, tears, or some sensation of joy. It is when Charlie Brown in despair yells, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

And then Linus steps forward

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights, please? 

"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 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.'

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Watch a 30 second video of the sketching/painting process accompanied by Linus' quote by clicking HERE.