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That's What Christmas is All About Charlie Brown.

By Bob & Bonnie Horning

Industry Observer

December 08, 2010 03:36 AM

Last night we tuned in to see what all the hubbub was about Phil Robertson and we found it was time for Charlie Brown Christmas again.

I can't help posting this every year... I knew there was a good reason I turned the TV on last evening!

Everyone loves A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was written and first aired on Dec. 9th 1965. What some folks don't know is that it almost never aired. According to wikipedia, the broadcasting company, CBS didn't like the story itself, and the use of jazz music didn't thrill them either. Then they balked at Linus reciting the scriptures of the Gospel of Luke 2:8-14. They wrongly thought that no sponsor would stand for it and it would lose money. It has in fact been the most successful, timeless Christmas animation of all time and still runs each and every year bringing the highest amount of advertising dollars, more than any other special. And to the surprise of the network execs... Linus' recitation was hailed by critics such as Harriet Van Horne of the New York World-Telegram who said, "Linus' reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season."

And can you think of any more classic musical material than Christmas Time or the theme Linus and Lucy? Skating was another of my favorites by the music master behind the scenes, the late Vince Guaraldi and his trio.

So for this moment and on behalf of Charles Shultz, who insisted it run exactly the way he intended or it wouldn't run at all... "the time for all, that children call, their favorite time of year..." and I suggest you repeat it with the voice of Linus in your head...

Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

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 Saviour, 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.

Merry Christmas to all my rain friends...

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Mike Frazier

Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN

Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Bob, I always enjoy that cartoon from many years ago. Many think it is just a cartoon but we know it depicts the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Shultz was right to settle for nothing less.

Dec 08, 2010 09:34 AM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

Thanks for a timely and uplifting post. Although it is important to speak out against sin, often we over look the need to just speak timeless truths and let the Holy Spirit draw people to him. I will reblog.

Dec 08, 2010 11:44 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I love the Charlie Brown Christmas. I think it is a great way to communicate the Christmas Story to kids (both young and old).

Dec 08, 2010 02:54 PM

Cinnamon Wright

Wilmington Real Estate 4U 910.547.1446 - Wrightsville Beach, NC

Assistant to Tish Lloyd

I cry every time I watch this show. I can remember as a kid feeling my heart soar when Linus gave his speech, it was such a comfort and affirmation to this little Southern Baptist! How wonderful to think of it still touching hearts to this day.

Dec 08, 2010 02:59 PM

Bob & Bonnie Horning

Mount Joy, PA

Mike: Charles Shultz was a walking, talking Christ-like man until the end. He is also a great example of what happens when we stick to our faith and don't wander or compromise. He lives on through his cartoons.

Thanks for the re-blog Gene. You are so right.

Joan: Absolutely... it doesn't surprise me that this is the number one Christmas special of all time. There is no better story to be told!

Cinnamon: Truth be told, I still well up hearing Linus' speech. Because I know the truth now. Bonnie says that's just the Holy Spirit drawing nearer.

Thank you all, peace and good will to you all.

Dec 09, 2010 05:10 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Bob, I have gotten past the cartoon part. This is a real heart felt rendition of this story.

Dec 09, 2010 10:22 AM

Hey Bill: What's funny is all those years I still liked watching it as an atheist, it never bothered me one bit... in fact, I'm not sure I even noticed it was preaching the Gospel, I just loved the music. Vince Guaraldi really was a jazz monster, as we old musicians always say, who was fairly unknown until this came out.

Dec 09, 2010 11:03 AM

Just had to stop back by -- Zoe's teacher showed this in class today. Zoe came home telling me about her teacher crying during Linus' speech and when one of the student's asked her why she said, "Because it's the most beautiful story ever told. And everytime I hear it, I am reminded of how Blessed I am." Is she cool or what?

Dec 09, 2010 11:28 AM

Now that's one awesome teacher Cinnamon. You are Blessed to have Zoe in her class. We too are Blessed to have a very liberal public school... liberal meaning they don't discourage anyone from practicing their beliefs in school. See, sometimes liberal is a good word. Our daughter has led worship in pre school prayer meetings that they have every Wed morning before school. Always nice to hear from you. Blessings.

Dec 09, 2010 11:44 AM