13 Comments

Thanks for the sharing the history of this iconic video that, apparently, almost never was. This was definitely part of my husband's childhood tradition, and we have shared with our children. Now I am excited to find a night to watch with them this season.

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1. Reminders of home, a strong iconic connection to my parents

2. Definitive choices to show manger scene images in Christmas decor, clothing etc. Sharing the Luke story of Jesus' birth with children and adults.

It's OK to celebrate joys of God's Creation: seasonal beauty, manmade traditions as long as we acknowledge, prioritize and thank God as the Creator of all and that Jesus is the Son of God sent to earth to be our Master Teacher of Truth, usher in the New Covenant and atone for all humanity's sins.

Same for Easter! Celebrate the beauties of Spring and share the meaning of Christ's Resurrection. Again, sharing Matthew, Luke and John so that people read for themselves to KNOW the Truth and Believe.

(Mark is shortest, Matthew Luke and John include vital details)

Remember: NO judgement - only God is the ultimate judge. It's not our job.

Condemnation or snubs of secular holiday joy serve to turn people off in times where the real story of Jesus is very much needed, but suppressed.

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I think it's possible to maintain the "reason for the season" and still celebrate most of the traditions. We always exchange gifts on Christmas but we never told our children the gifts were from Santa. We told them the truth - the gifts were possible because of God's abundance. At the same time, we told them not to tell their friends that Santa Claus isn't real.

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I remember and enjoy Charlie Brown Christmas, still do.

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A was a 10-year-old fifth grader in Cedartown, GA, when this first aired, and I still remember that night as if it were yesterday. I've never missed a year since finding a way to watch this because of the simple message and the wonderful memories.

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Thanks for reminding us.

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I saw the original broadcast. I was a seminary student at the time. It was discussed in every class after the showing.

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I have loved the Peanuts comic strip since a long time ago, when I was a child! A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of my favourite holiday movies. Thank you, Jason, for telling us about its history. Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas to you!

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Well done! I was 7 that year…literally grew up with this and other Charlie Brown specials…

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I never tire of this story--both the show itself and the backbone-reinforcing back-story of what Schultz did to get his artistic creation on the air, with Scripture intact. For the afficionado, there are tons of little details that he clearly inserted with purpose. E.g., next time you watch, note the precise moment when Linus drops his security blanket.

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Excellent! Thank you, Jason, for elaborating on what really happened back in the sixties!

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Charlie Brown was part of every Christmas season growing up.

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