December 9 - Simple Truth: A Charlie Brown Christmas Special That Almost Wasn’t
Keeping Christ Central in a Commercial Christmas
This is the day "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS television in 1965.
In today's lesson, we explore how a beloved Christmas special challenged the commercialization of the holiday season. What happens when someone dares to put the gospel message at the heart of mainstream entertainment? How can we follow this example in maintaining focus on Christ during the Christmas season?
"Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'" - Luke 12:15 (NIV)
This Date in History
As darkness settled across American living rooms on December 9, 1965, a quiet revolution unfolded on CBS screens. Families gathered around their televisions, expecting the usual festive cheer of animated specials, but what they witnessed was different: a gentle, jazz-scored meditation on the true meaning of Christmas. No laugh tracks punctuated the dialogue, no flashy commercial jingles interjected. Instead, Charles Schulz's heartfelt tale of Charlie Brown's search for authentic holiday spirit resonated like a serene melody against the cacophony of the season, challenging everything children's programming had been before. The stakes were high, the risk palpable. In that moment, history was being made—not just for television, but for the soul of Christmas itself.
The origins of A Charlie Brown Christmas trace back to Schulz's Peanuts comic strip, a cultural phenomenon that had captivated millions since its debut in 1950. By 1965, Peanuts appeared in over 2,600 newspapers across 75 countries, with its characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy becoming beloved fixtures of popular culture. Coca-Cola, seeking to sponsor a Christmas television special, approached Schulz and producer Lee Mendelson. Yet from the beginning, Schulz's vision defied convention.
Schulz demanded the special reflect the true meaning of Christmas, culminating in Linus's recitation of the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke. This insistence was met with resistance. CBS executives worried that such overt biblical messaging, paired with the unconventional pacing, would alienate viewers. Schulz remained resolute. "If we don't tell the true meaning of Christmas, who will?" he asked, grounding his conviction in faith and a desire to counter the rampant commercialization of the holiday.
The production process was no less revolutionary. Animator Bill Melendez, who had previously worked on Peanuts commercials, faced a grueling six-month timeline and a tight $76,000 budget. Schulz's decision to cast real children as voice actors added another layer of complexity; many of the young performers, including Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown) and Christopher Shea (Linus), struggled to read their scripts, requiring meticulous coaching. Meanwhile, Vince Guaraldi's jazz score, including the now-iconic "Linus and Lucy" theme, baffled network executives, who deemed it unsuitable for children.
Despite the doubts, A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered to overwhelming success, capturing 15.4 million viewers and nearly half of the American television audience that evening. Critics lauded its authenticity and willingness to tackle profound themes, praising the special for addressing the commercialization of Christmas with honesty and depth.
What began as a seemingly risky venture became an annual tradition, with CBS airing the special every year until 2000, when ABC acquired the rights. The special has aired every year since its debut, winning both an Emmy and a Peabody Award. Multiple generations have grown up watching Charlie Brown and his friends discover that the true meaning of Christmas isn't found in aluminum trees or commercialization, but in the simple, powerful message of Christ's birth.
At its core, A Charlie Brown Christmas is more than an animated special. It is a testament to the courage of staying true to one's convictions, the power of simplicity, and the enduring message of Christ's birth. In a world increasingly drawn to shiny distractions, its timeless wisdom invites us to pause, reflect, and remember what Christmas is truly about: a light shining in the darkness, offering hope to all.
Historical Context
The mid-1960s marked a transformative period in American television and culture. The television industry had matured significantly since its inception, with networks wielding enormous influence over American cultural life. By 1965, television had become the dominant form of entertainment and information, reaching into millions of homes across the nation. The three major networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC—competed fiercely for viewers, particularly during the holiday season.
Animation on television had evolved into a highly commercialized format. Most animated programs featured rapid pacing, frequent sight gags, and laugh tracks to maintain viewer attention. Advertisers heavily influenced content, often requiring shows to incorporate product placements and commercial messages. Holiday specials, in particular, had become vehicles for promoting toys, decorations, and other seasonal merchandise.
The religious landscape of America was also shifting. While Christianity remained deeply embedded in American culture, there was growing debate about its role in public life. The Supreme Court's 1962 and 1963 decisions regarding prayer in public schools had sparked discussions about the appropriate place of religious expression in mass media. Many television producers had begun moving away from explicit religious content, preferring to focus on secular holiday themes.
Meanwhile, the comic strip industry was experiencing its own evolution. Newspaper comics had traditionally focused on humor and simple storylines, but creators like Charles Schulz were introducing more complex themes and emotional depth. Peanuts stood out for its ability to address philosophical and spiritual questions while maintaining broad appeal. The strip's success demonstrated an appetite for content that respected children's intelligence and emotional complexity.
The commercial success of merchandising had also transformed children's entertainment. Major corporations increasingly viewed television programming as a vehicle for product promotion rather than artistic or educational expression. This trend particularly affected holiday specials, which were often designed primarily to sell toys and generate advertising revenue.
Did You Know?
The famous "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" sparked a real-world trend. After the special aired, many people began buying and decorating small, imperfect trees in honor of the show's message.
Today’s Reflection
The sight of Charlie Brown standing before his friends, questioning the glittering aluminum Christmas trees and the commercialization of the season, reflects a tension we all feel during the holidays. In a world that urges us toward bigger, brighter, and more, it's easy to lose sight of what Christmas is truly about: the birth of Christ. Like Charlie Brown, we often find ourselves caught between the world's festive excess and the simple truth of Christ's humble arrival in Bethlehem.
Jesus's words in Luke 12:15 (NIV) remind us of this challenge: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." These words, spoken centuries ago, echo just as powerfully today. The holiday season tempts us to measure its success by the number of presents under the tree, the grandeur of our decorations, or the perfection of our plans. Yet, life—true life—is found not in what we accumulate but in what we honor and celebrate.
Charles Schulz understood this when he included the Gospel message in A Charlie Brown Christmas. His decision to include Linus's recitation of the Nativity story was a countercultural declaration of faith. The world might mock the simplicity of Christ's birth or overlook its significance, but Schulz dared to center the story on a truth that transcends time: the Savior's arrival brought hope to a world in desperate need.
Charlie Brown's small, humble tree is a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God. At first glance, it seems insufficient and inadequate—just as the stable and manger must have seemed on that first Christmas night. But through love, care, and a shift in perspective, what the world dismisses becomes a symbol of transformation. Similarly, when we turn our attention from material things to Christ, our celebrations become richer and more meaningful.
The commercialization of Christmas isn't new, but it has intensified in our modern era. Ads, sales, and social media often make us feel like we're falling short if our holiday doesn't look picture-perfect. Yet the beauty of Christmas isn't found in perfection or extravagance; it's found in the quiet joy of worshiping our Savior. Isaiah 55:2 (NIV) asks us, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" This season, we're invited to consider: what are we truly laboring for? Is it for fleeting pleasures or for eternal truths?
The enduring power of A Charlie Brown Christmas is its boldness to redirect our gaze from the distractions of the world to the simplicity of the gospel. When Linus recites the Nativity story, the noise fades, and the true meaning of Christmas takes center stage. What would happen if we stripped away the excess and let the nativity story take center stage in our homes? Imagine a Christmas where the gifts under the tree became secondary to the Gift given to us in Jesus. Consider how your family traditions could reflect the true joy of Christmas—not in what you buy, but in how you worship and love.
This season, let's take a page from Schulz's story. Let's be bold like Charlie Brown, daring to question the artificial trappings of the season and reorient our hearts toward Christ. For as Colossians 3:2 (NIV) reminds us: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By shifting our focus, we may find, like Charlie Brown and his friends, that the simplest things often hold the greatest beauty and Christ's arrival brings a gift no amount of glitter or glamour can replace.
Practical Application
Take time this week to evaluate your Christmas preparations and celebrations. Create a simple list of your holiday activities and purchases, then thoughtfully consider which ones truly celebrate Christ's birth and which might be driven by commercial pressure or worldly expectations. Choose one meaningful way to redirect some of your holiday resources - whether time, money, or energy - toward celebrating Christ's birth through worship, service, or sharing the gospel message with others.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, in this season of bright lights and endless distractions, center our hearts on the miracle of Christmas—Your priceless gift of Jesus, our Savior. Help us to resist the lure of commercialism and instead embrace the quiet joy of honoring You in all we do. Grant us wisdom to prioritize what truly matters and courage to share the good news of Christ's birth with boldness and grace, just as Charles Schulz did. Teach us to find joy in the simple beauty of Your presence and to reflect Your love in our celebrations. May our words and actions point others to the humble manger where eternal hope was born. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.
Supplementary Study
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
This verse reminds us that Jesus is the greatest gift ever given - one that no earthly present can match.
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
The Magi's response to Jesus shows us that true gift-giving should flow from worship and honor of Christ.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This foundational verse reminds us that Christmas is fundamentally about God's sacrificial gift of love.
Final Thoughts
Charlie Brown's search for meaning amidst glittering distractions reflects a challenge we all face: keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. Like Charles Schulz, who refused to let the truth of the Gospel be overshadowed, we too are called to stand firm in a world that often prioritizes commercialism over faith. This season, let's dare to question the artificial trappings of the holiday and embrace the simple, transformative beauty of Christ's birth. In doing so, we honor the true meaning of Christmas and invite His peace and joy to reign in our hearts and homes.
Community Engagement
Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
What's your earliest memory of watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?
How do you maintain focus on Christ's birth during the busy holiday season?
What steps could you take to simplify your Christmas celebrations this year?
How might we use cultural platforms today to share the gospel message, as Schulz did through animation?
Bonus - Did You Know?
The first script for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was completed in just one day by Charles Schulz and producer Lee Mendelson after their original choice for a writer became unavailable.
The children who voiced the Peanuts characters were so young that some had to be fed their lines one word at a time. Peter Robbins, who voiced Charlie Brown, was only 9 years old.
Vince Guaraldi was hired after Lee Mendelson heard his song "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" playing on the radio while riding in a taxi.
Coca-Cola's sponsorship is why the special required such a tight production schedule. The entire special was completed in just six months, an incredibly short time for an animated production in 1965.
The dancing scene was created by filming actual children dancing, then having animators trace over their movements - a technique known as rotoscoping.
Additional Resources
A Charlie Brown Religion: Exploring the Spiritual Life and Work of Charles M. Schulz - Stephen J. Lind
Charles M. Schulz: Conversations - M. Thomas Inge
The Art and Making of Peanuts Animation - Charles Solomon
The Christmas Encyclopedia, 3d ed. - William D. Crump
This devotional is free to read. You can support this publication by becoming a subscriber, upgrading to paid subscriber status, liking (❤️) this post, commenting, and/or sharing this post with anyone who might enjoy it. You can also make a ONE-TIME DONATION in any amount. Thank you for your support!
In tomorrow's lesson, we'll explore how one of history's most powerful figures found glory not through force, but through the pursuit of peace. This surprising story challenges us to reconsider our understanding of true strength and the delicate balance between power and diplomacy.
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.
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.