With sunny skies, temperatures still in the upper 60’s to mid-70’s, and a weird tropical storm popping up last weekend, it may be hard to remember that we’re days away from Christmas.

But walk into any retail store and you’re suddenly bombarded with an explosion of Christmas cheer – or something that approximates it anyway. Dr. Seuss would be aghast. After all, he wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas! as a criticism of the commercialism that dominated the season. That was 60+ years ago in 1957 with the TV special to follow in 1966.

The year before that TV special, a much different cartoon debuted in December – A Charlie Brown Christmas – based on Charles Schulz’s popular comic strip. It wasn’t expected to be a hit and was almost pulled by CBS TV executives for one significant scene:

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about"

“Lights, Please”

Linus walks to the center of the stage, drops his ever-present security blanket and recites,

“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 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.

Followers of Jesus know that this is the account of his birth as told in Luke 2. And contrary to the executives’ worries, the special was a success. People wanted to know the true meaning of Christmas.

That's What Christmas is All About

As much as we like the idea of Santa Claus and the spirit of giving he represents, the presents under the tree, the festive decorations, and the parties and meals shared with our loved ones, that’s not what Christmas truly means. And, as the Grinch and the Peanuts gang learned, it’s not about crass commercialism and consumerism either.

It’s about the greatest gift of all - a baby arriving in a lowly, smelly stable.

That baby would grow up and for thirty years teach people about love and helping others, following God while helping your fellow man. And then he would give the ultimate gift – his life for the sake of the world. The baby Jesus would become our savior, hanging on a cross and rising from the dead three days later.

Christmas time is about family and friends, about giving and receiving gifts, but most of all it’s about receiving the gift of hope.

Hope for a better life to come, grace and peace and the hope of heaven. That’s the Good News for ALL People.

If you don’t have that hope, know that it is there for the asking. We would be happy to tell you more and walk you through it. Please email or give us a call.

Good News Pest Solutions will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday.

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all!