As Christmas approaches our television sets are filled with Christmas movies. For better or worse, these movies have become a part of our culture, and I would bet, a part of your own family’s Christmas tradition. For years, every Christmas Eve, I insisted on gathering my family together to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Eventually, the kids revolted and A Christmas Story slid into that spot. Personally, I enjoy A Christmas Story, but I don’t see how anyone can prefer a kid getting his tongue stuck on a pole to Zuzu’s flower petals in Jimmy Stewart’s pocket. But, maybe that’s just me.
So, as we step into December and thoughts turn to Christmas, I invite you walk down memory lane and spend a few moments remembering some wonderful lines…
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?
9. Elf, 2003 The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
8. The Santa Clause, 1994 Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we’re going to destroy our son’s delusions, I should be a part of it.
7. Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.
6. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, 1964 A toy is never truly happy until it is loved by a child.
5. Home Alone, 1990 Keep the change, you filthy animal!
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989 I don’t know what to say, except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.
3. A Christmas Story, 1983 Next to me in the blackness lay my oiled blue steel beauty. The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received, or would ever receive. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep, pranging ducks on the wing and getting off spectacular hip shots.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946 What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965 My personal favorite, and a little aside. When I first became a Christian (not so long ago), I was reading the second chapter of Luke. When I read verses 8-14, my first thought was, “Hey! That’s from Charlie Brown!” Sad but true. And, now, without further delay…
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 and goodwill towards men.
…And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
Amen, Linus
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including Broken Resolutions, the Life is But a Dream series, and the Cooper Moon series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight Let’s Learn About series focusing on different animals and I Love You When: For Girls and I Love You When: For Boys.
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