Christmas Day

Today is Christmas day. It’s the 59th Christmas I’ve seen in my life. We are in Emporia today, spending the day with our son Scott, Laura, Rachel, and (unborn) Gabriel. This will be the first Christmas I’ve spent in Emporia. There have been Christmases in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Goodland, Kansas, and many other places, but Emporia is a first.
The world has changed considerably since Dad wrapped up the American Flyer train set in several different packages and gave parts of it to each of the kids. I got track, if I remember right. Brother Max got the engine. I don’t know about any of the rest of it. We set it up in the unfinished, cold west bedroom on a piece of plywood that had an extra foot or so scabbed onto the side of it to accommodate the width of the layout.
It was a wonderful time of aluminum trees, light sets that went out if one bulb went bad, bubble lights, orange marmalade brought back from the once-a-year Wichita shopping trip, homemade ornaments, school vacation, and people coming to the house. Sometimes some of the King family would show up. Sometimes it would be the Planks. Sometimes we’d go somewhere else.
I’ll never forget the meals and fellowship when we went to Mervin’s (my uncle) out west of town. The meals were superb and their place was wonderful for exploring…tree rows, outbuildings, and all the rest. They also had a basement where we could play with Mervin’s homemade foosball, cards, or whatever else (remember stadium checkers?).
Now, we have digital music from a computer, DVD Christmas movies, electronic ornaments, and designer hot chocolate. We can run to the store on Christmas day for a forgotten food item and carry a portal to the world on our hips. We travel hundreds of miles without even thinking about it, and orange marmalade is no big deal.
But some things never change. Family ties and gifts under the tree. Ham, pumpkin pie, and peppermint ice cream. Bean and Bean (some won’t know what this is…ask sister Marianne). Christmas eve traditions. They’re all there just as they were years ago, and just as they’ll be as long as God permits.
One other thing that never changes is what Christmas Is All About. Linus, wise beyond his years, succinctly and clearly tells the world every year in It’s A Charlie Brown Christmas what the season is really about. I’ll close with his speech.
Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about. [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [moves toward the center of the stage] Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "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 picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]
Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.