by Rob Caudillo
Well the holidays are in full swing. Like most of us it seems they come earlier each year what with store decorations and Christmas specials appearing almost after October 31st – well almost. One of the season’s traditions is the annual telecast of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts specials. It usually begins with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown which was first shown in 1966. What I remember and like about this show is how Linus hoping for the Great Pumpkin to appear to him with loads of candy, seeks to find “the most sincere pumpkin patch”. In this endeavor, he is joined by Sally, who loves Linus and the idea of lots of candy. With the gang trick ‘o treating, Linus and Sally await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin as they sit in a local pumpkin patch. But alas, no Great Pumpkin, no loads of candy and other gifts, a not too happy Sally (“I missed trick ‘o treating, you blockhead!”) and a disappointed but not disillusioned Linus – next year, I’ll find the most sincere of pumpkin patches and then the Great Pumpkin will come…!
Next up we find the Peanuts gang gathering for a Thanksgiving in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973). We find the Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, Peppermint Patty and Marcie having a kid’s potluck minus the usually faire of turkey, stuffing, gravy, etc.
Finally, there is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (first shown in 1965) where Charlie Brown tries to understanding the true meaning of Christmas amongst all the commercialism of the season. In his seeking, Charlie is recruiter to be the gang’s director for their Christmas Play (which includes a Christmas Princess) and gives us forever the first Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It is not until his friend, Linus, recites the Gospel account of the Christmas story that Charlie Brown gets it! He gets the meaning, the simple and sincere meaning of Christmas.
Sincerity, be that in a pumpkin patch, in appreciation for friends or found in the true meaning of Christmas, is a good quality. I would suggest it is a necessary trait for the season of the year and for the times you and I live. The Apostle Paul wrote, “…in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.” May you and I so speak with a sincerity of heart, mind and love to one another and to all of God’s creation. May you and yours enjoy the true gift of Christmas and blessed kingdom work of the New Year.
Peace,
Pastor Rob
by Lynell Caudillo
Soon 2009 will come to a close, and 2010 will be upon us!
A recent issue of TIME Magazine featured a cover story titled: Good-bye at last to the Decade from Hell. The article outlines all the bad news of the last decade—beginning with the terrorist 
attack on the twin towers in NYC on 9-11-2001, followed by the most divisive, confusing election in US history in 2002. Author Andy Serwer wrote: “Sometimes it was as if the gods themselves were conspiring against this decade. On Aug. 29, 2005, near the center point in the decade, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southeast Louisiana, killing more than 1,500 and causing $100 billion in damages. It was the largest natural disaster in our nation's history.”
Were we Americans alone in our troubles? Hardly. The Asian tsunami of 2004 killed more than 200,000 people. The economic downturn has had a world-wide impact, unrest, military coups, rigged elections, the list goes on…..
“So here's the big question: Why? Why did so much bad stuff happen in this decade? Was it just rotten luck or something more?”
The author goes on to say: “We have ourselves to blame”…naming the following issues as contributing to the problem: “Neglect…Greed…Self-Interest…Deferral of Responsibility.”
Whether or not one agrees with this assessment of the last decade, my guess is that the majority of us would not be eager to repeat it. However, what gives us motivation to move forward? While it may be a relief to say good-bye to the decade, what makes us think the next year, let alone the next decade, will be any different?
I don’t have a crystal ball, but I do have a Bible. According to Jesus himself, “the Son of Man [will be] coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Christ’s coming will be heralded by all kinds of signs in nature, and among the nations…most of it pretty negative or more of the same kinds of events that have happened in the last decade. But Jesus assures us that “when you see these things taking places, you know that the Kingdom of God is near”. (See Luke 21:25-36)
Meanwhile—regardless of what is happening—what are we to be doing? We are to be watching in expectation (be alert), witnessing to the hope we have within us,
and waiting for Christ to return. Each day, hour and minute brings us closer to the moment when Christ will come again. Will you be ready? Will I be ready?
“Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” This is our hope for the new year!
Pastor Lynell