Yuletide Time Again.

These are some quotes I'm loving. Some old, some new. Some songs I've sung for years. Some movies I've never been crazy about. Some that have a new kind of meaning to me this this time around.

It started yesterday with substitute teaching the first grade girls. The question of the day was, "What song are you looking forward to singing at the Winter Concert tonight?", and one precious girl had written, "Frosty The Sow Man." It had me smiling through lunch, recess, and English. Frosty the Sow Man- written in the large, childlike handwriting of a first grade girl who could barely contain her excitement.

Later in the afternoon we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas together. I've never liked Charlie Brown. Linus always annoyed me. I though Snoopy was creepy. And, Lucy- I always thought she was depressing. Yesterday, for the first time, I appreciated Charlie Brown. When I watched it through the rapt eyes of 21 first grade girls, it was everything I think this holiday season should be about: simple, joyful, real, sometimes hard, sometimes maybe even down right depressing, but always hopeful.

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. 

Some more favorites:

Shepherds in the fields abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with man is now residing, yonder shines the infant Light:

Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King.

-Angels from the Realms of Glory

Come to earth to taste our sadness, he whose glories knew no end;

by his life he brings us gladness, our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.

Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall; 

this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.

-Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.

Come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him born the King of angels.

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

-O Come All Ye Faithful

This flow'r, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the

air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness ev'rywhere.

True man, yet very God; from sin and death he 

saves us and lightens ev'ry load.

-Lo, How a Rose 'ere Blooming

The people walking in darkness 
       have seen a great light; 
       on those living in the land of the shadow of death
       a light has dawned.

 For to us a child is born, 
       to us a son is given, 
       and the government will be on his shoulders. 
       And he will be called 
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and peace 
       there will be no end. 
       He will reign on David's throne 
       and over his kingdom, 
       establishing and upholding it 
       with justice and righteousness 
       from that time on and forever. 
       The zeal of the LORD Almighty 
       will accomplishh this. 

-Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7