Courtney Lea: That's What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

Linus: Lights, please.

Linus: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto 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 Savior, 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.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

Linus: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

This is one of my favorite Christmas "traditions"... watching Charlie Brown Christmas! I think one of the things I love about it is that Linus makes it so simple. And it is...it's so simple...and being overseas has made that even more clear.

For the past several years...probably since I was in high school Christmas has been more about Christ, family, traditions, etc. I mean I like presents...but really I like giving them more than getting them. I haven't been caught up in the whole commercialism stuff for awhile. But being here has made me focus even more on what Christmas means.

Christmas isn't as big a deal here as in the States. There's not the atmosphere of everyone getting ready for family to come, buying gifts, celebrations, parties, etc. It's just kind normal...and cold outside :) as winter approaches. So already, it doesn't "feel" like Christmas.

But I was thinking about that today... what is Christmas suppose to "feel" like. There's nothing wrong with being around family, giving, enjoying friends, etc. at Christmas time, and honestly since Christ is apart of my life daily, that's more of what Christmas has been about.

However, this will be my frist Christmas that I won't spend with my family. (Go ahead...cry a little for me!) Just kidding!

It is a sad thought, but it's made me ask this question, "So if Christmas has been more about celebrating with my family and friends, and even enjoying them, what does this year look like?"

I have my friends here, and I'll spend Christmas with them, and I'll still get to skype with my family, but I guess as Christmas approaches it's a reminder that the things I've been "use" to have been stripped away (and that's not meant to sound cruel...because I'm here by choice and don't regret being away from family), but it's caused me to ask myself, "what's left?"

And the answer is simple...like Linus says..."Christ"...He's what's left...

I don't mean that to sound like I've put Him on the back burner or that when it comes to it I'll take Christ since I can't have the other stuff. What I mean is that at some point the epiphany occurred to me that Christmas isn't all about toys and getting stuff....it's about celebrating Christ. Once again I'm reminded that it's as simple as that....it's about celebrating that Christ was born to live and then die on behalf of sinful man.

Family, friends, traditions....none of that is bad! I honestly am and do miss it tremendously, but when it's all said and done, the reality is those things can change...those things do change....

What does NOT ever change is that centuries ago... "there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

So my prayer in writing this is that you would enjoy family, friends, traditions...Christmas, but most of all...make it as simple as possible and enjoy Jesus!