Meaning of Christmas told in 50-year-old TV cartoon

It’s been 50 years since the first showing of the holiday television classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” And, in one of those rare instances that truly meets the definition of irony, you can now buy a plastic version of the famous “real” tree featured in the cartoon.

But, as millions of viewers worldwide know, Charlie Brown’s search wasn’t really for a tree — it was to find the true meaning of Christmas.

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the show (or if you’ve never seen it), Charlie Brown and his pals are putting together a play about Christmas. All the gang, including Snoopy, seem more intent on celebrating commercialism and pop culture. So Charlie Brown goes out in search of a real Christmas tree, which turns out to be a barren little sapling, unable to bear the weight of a single ornament.

After being scoffed at by his friends — to the point of being called hopeless and dumb — he wonders aloud what the true meaning of Christmas really is. To which a philosophically astute Linus replies: “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 you 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, goodwill towards men.” “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Though the words were first written down nearly 2,000 years ago and credited to someone named Luke, Linus couldn’t have said it better — or more sincerely.

Whether one is a believer in Christianity or simply the “holiday season” — a time of giving and at least hoping for peace and goodwill — both have their roots in this story.

Well done, Linus. Well done, Charlie Brown.