Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, per tradition, my family watches Charles Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. And even though the special originally aired almost 50 years ago, I am continually surprised by how salient and relevant its messages still are today.

In case you haven’t seen the special, the story features a disheartened Charlie Brown who is trying to find the true meaning of Christmas. He is surrounded by selfish desires and rampant commercialism. In hopes of finding meaning, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the Christmas play. After having a rough time as director, he goes to get a Christmas tree for the play.

Out of all of the metallic, shiny and strong Christmas trees, Charlie Brown picks one that is nothing more than a weak, young sapling. Inevitably, when Charlie presents the tree to the cast of the play, they all ridicule him.

But Linus sees something different in the tree. He says, “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” Linus doesn’t see the weak sapling that the others see. Rather, he sees that, with a little care and love, the sapling could be a full and completed tree.

I see God’s love in Linus.

Like Linus, God sees our brokenness and weakness and says, “I never thought it was such a bad little tree.” In the midst of our lowest points and our toughest struggles, God never gives up on us. God doesn’t hold our weaknesses against us. He knows our true potential.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a story of redemption. It is a story that reminds us of the healing power of love. This Christmas, may you remember that you are complete in God’s eyes. May you remember that God sees past your brokenness and knows your true potential.

And, when you want to shout, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”, may you have someone like Linus there to remind you.

– Alex Kuehn, Senior, Moderator of PH Leadership Council