DANGER IN THE MANGER!

For the past decade, there has been controversy over airing A Charlie Brown Christmas on network television. Many networks have been reluctant, mainly because of the biblical reference near the end of the film.  Apple TV now owns the rights and will stream it on December 16–17 (for a fee, of course!).

The controversy actually began when Charles Schulz first created the special. I remember reading an article in which Schulz’s widow described how the final scene came together. There were two versions proposed. One did not include the Bible verse used in the final scene. The director, Bill Melendez, believed including Luke 2 would be too controversial. But Schulz’s widow shared her husband’s unwavering conviction. He gave an ultimatum: “THIS IS THE STORY…IF WE DON’T (PUT IT ON THE AIR), WHO WILL?”  With that, Schulz and Melendez stood up and left the room. The scene was included, and the special began airing in 1965.

I remember watching A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS almost every year when it began to be aired on network television.  I was not serving Jesus and found nothing offensive or “threatening.”  Now that I am following Jesus years later, I have come to the conclusion that SOME UNBELIEVERS INSTINCTIVELY UNDERSTAND SOMETHING ABOUT JESUS THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DO NOT!!!

WHAT IS IT?

In the final climatic scene, Linus relieves Charlie Brown of his anxiety over the over-commercialization of Christmas by reciting a passage from the Gospel of Luke, reminding him of the true meaning of Christmas:

• Luke 2:10-14   But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  (11)  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is CHRIST THE LORD  (12)  “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  (13) And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying.  (14) Glory to God in the highest…

How could such a cute, cuddly baby create such a threat? The issue many Christians do not realize, but only give mental ascent to (and some unbelievers instinctively know), is what Linus quoted, “a Savior, CHRIST THE LORD.” A baby isn’t much of a threat to anything, BUT A LORD IS!!!!

One of the challenges with people who have a Christian orientation is that in their experience and orientation they  see Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. This often leads to “Christian in Name Only” self identified Christianity.

The word “LORD” is defined as “SUPREME IN AUTHORITY, THE POWER TO DECIDE, MASTER, THE ONE IN CHARGE.”  This is what alarmed King Herod to the point that he secretly sent wise men to search for Jesus and bring back His location so Herod could have Him killed.  When they didn’t return, Herod had all the babies two years old and under killed to eliminate the threat (Matthew 2:1-18).  Jesus wasn’t just a harmless baby in a manger.  Herod understood the reality of what the angels were proclaiming as they referenced the passage in Isaiah.

• Isaiah 9:6-7  For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, And the government will rest on His shoulders…(7)  There will be no end to the increase of His government (Kingdom) or of peace.

Jesus wasn’t just a cute harmless baby, but He WAS AND IS LORD!  Peter echoed this reality during the first proclamation of the early church, “Let all the house of Israel know for certain that GOD HAS MADE HIM BOTH LORD AND CHRIST (Savior), THIS JESUS WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED” Acts 2:36.   When John recorded Jesus returning to earth on the last day, he saw a robe on Jesus that had the title written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” John 19:16 (John 17:14).

Just like the baby Jesus grew, His Lordship is to expand in and through the lives of all His people as they live for Him.  This is what brought fear to both Herod and the world today.  If Jesus is truly Lord, there are only two choices: YIELD TO OR REJECT HIS RULE.  Paul echoes this truth to the church, “He is the head of the body, the church…so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything… so as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, keep following Him” Colossians 1:18, 2:6.

Unfortunately, many people who self-identify as “Christian” only want Him as “Savior” but not as “Lord.”  This is not God’s design.  One only needs to consider some of the BIBLICAL TRUTHS ABOUT JESUS’ LORDSHIP to realize the importance of it.

• The Ten Commandments (and all Biblical instruction) begin with His Lordship. “Have no other god’s before Me…love the Lord with all your heart,” Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 4:29, 5:7, 6:5, 10:12, 11:13,, 30:2,6,10, Matthew 12:30, Luke 10:27).
• The early church was birthed in the book of Acts with the proclamation that “Jesus is Lord.”  “God has made Him both Lord and Christ- this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).
• The book of Acts ends with Paul continuing to speak about the Lordship of Jesus.  “Paul stayed two full years in his own quarters….preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).
• The first expansion of the church to non-Jews came about by “Preaching the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20-21).
• The designation “Lord” occurs over 7900 times in the Bible. The identification “Savior” is used only 37 times. God’s path to salvation includes receiving and confessing “Jesus as Lord” (Romans 10:9-10).
• The last book in the New Testament, Revelation, refers to Jesus’ throne” (rule) 42 times and ends with Jesus returning to earth wearing a garment with the designation “King of Kings, Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19-11-16). 

Four Essential Questions To Ask Ourselves About the Lordship of Jesus As We Celebrate His Birth.

• 1. Is Jesus both your Lord and Savior, or are you trying to “be saved” without Him being your Lord?
• 2. Does the church you are a part of, and the Christianity you embrace, have the biblical aim, “As you received Jesus as Lord, keep on following Him…that He would have first place in everything” (Colossians 1:18-2:6).
• 3. What can you do to help the foundation of Christ’s Lordship to be in everything you do and among the church you are a part of?
• 4. How can you ensure your gospel presentation has His Lordship in it?

For those who believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior, there is no disappointment, only peace and rejoicing at His wonderful birth!  Like the shepherds and wise men, let us receive our Savior and bow our lives/knees to His wonderful Lordship.  When He rules our lives, we step into the best life we can live, both now and forever!!!!