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Linus said it all so eloquently... back in 1965.

By
Industry Observer

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...

 

 

Comments (2)

Hugh Krone
Weichert Referral Associates - Hamburg, NJ
Realtor, Sussex County NJ

Merry CHRISTmas I am featuring this in Walking by faith in the Rain May your CHRISTmas be blessed

Dec 24, 2008 06:33 AM
Fran Gaspari
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ

Bob & Bonnie,

Merry Christmas, my friends!!! :) Thanks,   Fran

P.S. I can hear Linus' voice reading that Good News!!!

Dec 24, 2008 02:56 PM