"Good Grief"

"I won't let commercialism ruin my Christmas. " - Charlie Brown



I'm so glad that I watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with myself this afternoon. What a profound movie.
Right where my heart is this Christmas.
Sally was making her Christmas list and said, "All I want is what I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share", as she asked for cash to buy all the toys she desired.
I've been Sally in the past. Maybe I have a little bit of Sally still in me. But as she spoke those words I realised in a new way...I'm not so sure I want "what I have coming to me". I don't think it would be pretty.
But, like Lucy suggested to Charlie, "You need to get involved in some Christmas project."
Yes. Yes I did need that.
I too would be feeling, "The Charlie Browniest", this season, if I hadn't taken some of  the focus off myself and poured it onto those who could use it.
And I really believe Christmas is about so much more than the beast of greed we've sometimes made it into be.
"Is there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"
"And on earth, peace, and goodwill toward men."
Thanks Linus.
 I'm not sure I agree with Lucy though, when she  asks, "How can you say someone is Great if he's never had his picture on bubblegum cards?!"
I've never seen a picture of Jesus, but I have a feeling He has a lot to do with the "Magic of Christmas". I'm thinking He is pretty great.
Maybe not in the sense that some people think.
No that He came to die, but that He came to show us how to live.
Maybe the way He lived his life, is what twists people's hearts towards love, forgiveness, generosity.
I pray that I my gain, "Good Grief"  and leak it out of my soul. The kind of grief that is for others pain, and the kind that spurs me to action.
I think I may need to watch that movie again in about February. And April. And June.

"Is there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"

Yes, I think He can.