All You Want for ChristmasSample

Christmastime Is Here

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:11-12

Think

In 1965, Lee Mendelson, the producer of A Charlie Brown Christmas, needed lyrics for the opening scene’s song. Originally, this was planned to be a simple instrumental piece recorded by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. But the crew decided that the tune needed words to draw the attention of the viewers. As the story goes, Mendelson wrote the lyrics himself on the back of an envelope in about ten minutes, and a week later, the children's choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church recorded it. It has now become a perennial Christmas classic long after its release.

The lyrics written by Mendelson speak directly into the hopes and dreams of Christmastime. In his imaginary Christmas world, our hearts smile when words like happiness, family, snowflakes, carols, beauty, joy, and love are used to paint a picture of Christmas in our minds. Indeed, his dream was also our dream as it pertained to the perfect Christmas. But what is especially interesting about the song is that these lyrics are juxtaposed with a beautiful melody that is written in the minor key. The darker musical tones help take into account the realities of life and in a sense, the dreamy lyrics of the song melt away into gray tones and a spirit of melancholy.

But this is probably the very reason the song has endured through the years. It reflects our own journeys through past Christmases, which often have included many difficulties, losses, and shattered dreams to endure along with the special blessings of the season. That is life’s reality. It was also Charlie Brown’s reality.

*Lee Mendelson died on Christmas Day, 2019.

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As Christmas rolls around each year, we continue to long for the possibility that this year, things might be perfect as they once were – at least in our dreams. But the truth is, the only time that has ever really happened at Christmas was when Jesus was born - in a manger, in a stable, when God sent Him into this world as a baby. He was perfect in every way but was born into a very imperfect world. And through Him, God’s perfect plan of salvation and love for all people continued. It was a perfect plan and a perfect Christmas. Immanuel, God with us – Christmastime is here!

Pray

Lord God, I pray that you would help each of us to embrace your son, Jesus, as the one who can bring peace and joy into our lives this Christmastime. May Jesus be the center of our celebration this year. May we experience the fullness of your love and grace in our hearts as we reflect on your perfect plan that began in the stable in Bethlehem. Amen!

Author - Mike Clemmer serves as the Lead Pastor of Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Atglen, PA. Mike and his wife, April, are blessed with three children and four grandkids.