In our struggles sometimes we get sick! So please pray for me as I get over some "tummy trouble" IN this season we are reminded of wonderful stories...and things to make us smile as we connect our existence to that of Jesus in the world...I am always blessed that the Lord has a sense of humor ...look for it when you read the Word! In one of the best worldly renditions of the "Christmas" narrative the Charles Shultz characters shared some cute insights...for instance: "Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, "Why me?", then a voice answers "Nothing personal, your name just happened to come up."Charlie BrownSometimes when I get up in the morning, I feel very peculiar. I feel like I've just got to bite a cat! I feel like if I don't bite a cat before sundown, I'll go crazy! But then I just take a deep breath and forget about it. That's what is known as real maturity.SnoopyYesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement.SnoopySometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."Charlie BrownI know the answer! The answer lies within the heart of all mankind! The answer is twelve? I think I'm in the wrong building.Lucy Van Pelt(disappointed that the Great Pumpkin didn't show up:) I was a victim of false doctrine!Linus Van Pelt(Lucy threatens to hit him for refusing to memorize his lines for the Christmas program:) Christmas is not only getting too commercial, it's getting too dangerous! Linus Van Pelt(on studying the letters of the Apostle Paul:) I must admit it makes me feel a little guilty. I always feel like I'm reading someone else's mail!Linus Van Pelt[Charlie Brown and Linus stop at a wall on their trip to the pond for ice skating] I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. [begins to walk with Linus again] Charlie Brown: I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed. Linus Van Pelt: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest. And the Best quote of all...: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. Tune in next week as we "Taste and see that the Lord is good!