For the past few years, I have struggled to come up with a Christmas list. Sure, I can eventually come up with a few things like I
did this year: A bulky sweater to keep
me warm, some wool socks, a blanket, a pillow rest thingy so I can read in bed,
some cheese and sausage for my low carb diet.
But really, to be honest, the things I want don’t exist in a store. Can I bore you for a moment?
What I want, if I’m being completely selfish,
is that when I close my eyes for the last time each and every night, I know that those I love are safe and warm and
happy. If they are facing
troubles, I wish for them to know they truly aren’t alone, that they can feel my
arms around them.
I want my children to
be unafraid - of anything, but especially their future. And I want them to realize how fortunate they are and be compassionate to those less so.
I want to know that if I have extra patience
or compassion on any given day that I will KNOW to share it with someone that
may need it. I want to make someone or
someONES smile on a consistent basis.
And I want to know that there are hands that will reach to me if I’m the
one feeling low and insignificant.
On top of it all, again if I'm being greedy, I want those that I love to never doubt how I feel and know that I will always be by their side.
Self love, neighborly love, compassion, patience, consideration - I want it all. No extra gift-wrapping needed.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie Brown: 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]
Linus Van Pelt: 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.
