Unfiltered
Think Out Loud
with his failed attempt to decorate his pitiful tree. But out of that a beautiful thing happens. His seeking and acceptance of the truth has begun to impact those around him, and the whole gang acknowledges the moment singing “…glory to the newborn King.”
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Charles Shultz In 1965, with just a few months to complete the task, Bill Melendez, Charles Schulz, and Vince Guaraldi created a 25 minute animated cartoon with a simple message that has endured for 44 years. The project was sponsored by Coca-Cola, who intended to sell Coke, but inadvertently produced two timeless phenomena. To everyone’s surprise, Vince Guaraldi pulled off the unlikely task of making a jazz soundtrack enjoyable to children, and created an album that can make a jazz fan out of any adult. “Linus & Lucy” became the theme song for Peanuts. “Christmas Time is Here” became a Christmas music staple. But a phenomenon of eternal significance occurred when Charlie Brown poses a simple question whose answer escapes all the Peanuts characters but Linus. In the midst of practicing for the Christmas pageant, he solemnly recites the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke while illuminated by a symbolic spot light. Linus concludes with “and that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Apparently Schulz insisted on the scene staying in the final cut, reportedly saying “If we don’t tell the true meaning of Christmas, who will?” He succeeded in bringing the gospel to millions. Schulz’s straightforward manner of sharing the gospel of Christ is a lesson to behold. It involves one who is seeking an answer, one who has encountered light, and the sharing of that truth in a simple fashion. No great persuasive arguments, no fanfare, no tugging at emotional heartstrings, and no awkward discomfort. Linus simply says “Charlie Brown, you asked, and I believe this is your answer. Christmas is about the birth of our Savior.” As Charlie Brown embraces that truth, it has an immediate effect on him and his view of the world. He stumbles a little
The Story: Various Artists Multi-Dove Award winners Nichole Nordeman and Bernie Herms co-wrote this entire saga of Bible stories-turned-songs, based on Zondervan’s The Story. The songs themselves are performed by Christian music’s biggest hit makers: Brandon Heath, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Bart Millard, Francesca Battistelli, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, and many, many more. But the songs are much more than just Bible stories put to music—they tell about the hearts of real people, from the perspective of the actual Bible characters. Instead of being a narrative, each song is like a glimpse into the private journals of a variety of individuals and families in the Old and New Testaments. Adam and Eve beg for forgiveness after being tossed from paradise. Abraham and Sarah marvel at having a child in their old age. Moses admits his weaknesses. The double-disc set takes the listener from the genesis of the world to Christ’s triumphant return (powerfully sung by Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech). In particular, the Old Testament songs shed light on the relationship of God to the founders of our faith. This album had every chance to be a corny Bible musical but it is relentless in its honesty. Musically it is deep, rich and modern. Lyrically it will leave you weeping. These reviews are provided by Maranatha, Inc. staff and contributing writers. wolc.org | readthemanna.org | December 2011
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