I still enjoy watching Charles Schultz’s 1965 show “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Most of you have probably seen the show, but if not, look for it. It is well worth the effort. It is the story of Charlie Brown and the other “Peanuts” characters’ struggle with the commercialization of Christmas, which in 1965 was nothing compared to what we all experience today.

At a point in the show, Charlie Brown expresses his frustration with the blatant commercialization of this sacred holiday asking “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!” Linus responds, telling Charlie Brown that he knows. Then Linus recites seven short verses in the second chapter of Luke:

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. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I pray that God will bring us together during this time. I pray that we recognize and appreciate the blessings of Liberty and come together in 2020 to work for the many things we agree on rather than arguing over the few things that pull us apart. I pray for civil discourse. I pray for mutual respect. I pray for unity.

Please take a moment to stop, pause, and remember “what Christmas is all about” then take that spirit of love into all we do in 2020.

Merry Christmas,

Chairman Mark Reid