For unto us a child is born….

I am going to share a series of columns based on the verse Isaiah 9:6 during the holiday season.  The first six words of this verse exactly is the true meaning of this season.

I am 46 years old and I still watch A Charlie Brown Christmas.  I actually used to have an authentic Charlie Brown Christmas Tree as a decoration.  The cartoon is in its 51^st year.  It was about on the cutting floor of CBS, and came close to never airing.  Network

Peanuts character and theologian Linus VanPelt

executives said it was too religious.

Charlie Brown was asking the true meaning of Christmas.  Linus VanPelt, the theologian of the comic, recited this verse:

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.  (Luke 2:10-12 KJV)

Linus followed up with “That is the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown.”

This is a side note.  Anything I write of this nature, I will use the King James Version.  Use a version of God’s word that is easy for you to understand.  I use is for personal preference.  I just like the thunder of it.

I am going to share my opinion on a couple of things.  First Santa Claus is not the real meaning of Christmas, but I feel there is absolutely nothing wrong with telling your children about him.  Some of the greatest joys in my life was spent in a Santa suit.  I am going to share some of those before.

I feel there is nothing wrong with having a Christmas tree in your house.  The reason we use evergreens is to symbolize eternal life through Christ.  It is nothing to worship, but it is a decoration that is worth explaining the true meaning of others.

This time of year gets very busy.  There are parties, gatherings, in the heart of basketball season, and stress in trying to find the right present for someone. For others, it is a time of loneliness and sadness.  Whatever you lot is in life, keep in mind what the true meaning of Christmas is.  Jesus was born to die on the cross so that I and you could have eternal life.

At your holiday gatherings, make it a tradition to open the Bible and share the Christmas story with your friends and family before opening presents.  It will put everyone in the right mindset, and will make opening presents a lot more special.

This piece was written by Steve Dunford, a guest columnist of FranklinCounty-news.com.  He spent 20 years pastoring five small Southern Baptist Churches in Franklin and Jefferson counties.  He currently is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in West Frankfort

.