This iconic final line from the classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas has delighted viewers both young and old for over half a century. For myself, it conjures up warm and fuzzy feelings of simpler times when there was happiness and cheer and love and shared dreams, as sung in the film’s famous song “Christmas Time is Here” composed by Vince Guaraldi.

 In these turbulent and uncertain times, where national and international unrest abound and society at large is more divisive and pessimistic than it has been in a very long time, do these sentiments still ring true? I don’t know… Here are the lyrics —

Christmastime is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favorite time of year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere

Olden times and ancient rhymes

Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there

Christmastime is here

Families drawing near

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year

 I had assigned this song to a voice student of mine as their “fun” Christmas song. While going through the lyrics I noticed something which had eluded me for the many years I have enjoyed and taught this holiday favorite. The line in verse two — Olden times and ancient rhymes —has a more profound meaning woven in with the lighter, dare I say “fluffier” lyrics. I choose to believe that Charles M Schultz, the native born Minnesotan creator of The Peanuts was telling the Christmas story in a way that would resonate with a wide sector of the American public of the day. “Olden times” may be a reference to the Old Testament prophets of old, Isaiah being the most prolific. “Ancient rhymes” would certainly fit the often poetic language used in Psalms and other books from the Old Testament. So, as we sit back, fondly remembering that famous scene where Linus (security blanket wrapped around his head) recites from the second chapter of Luke, let us remind ourselves and, once again, be assured that gift of salvation through the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, provides us all with strong faith and a willing and obedient holiday spirit.

 In closing I wish to say thank you for being such a wonderful congregation. Your love and support shall always be treasured. I have been cleared by my surgeon to return to normal activity. I look forward to seeing and serving you now and in the new year.

Merry Christmas First Lutheran!

Blessings, Ben