True meaning of Christmas

The “true meaning of Christmas” is a phrase that began to appear in the mid-19th century when a shift toward a more secular culture resulted in a national backlash. Christians began to see the secularization of the celebration day of the birth of Christ as the shift toward Santa and gift exchanging replaced the celebration of the advent of Christ and giving to the poor and needy without expectation of receiving anything in return. The poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (1822) helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts, and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. Harriet Beecher Stowe criticizes the commercialization in her story “Christmas; or, the Good Fairy”.^[1] An early expression of this sentiment using the phrase of “the true meaning” is found in The American magazine, vol. 28 (1889):

“to give up one’s very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas.”

The phrase is especially associated with Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol (1843), in which an old miser is taught the true meaning of Christmas by three ghostly visitors who review his past and foretell his future.

The topic was taken up by satirists such as Stan Freberg and Tom Lehrer during the 1950s and eventually by the influential TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas, first aired in 1965 and repeated every year since. “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown”, says Linus, referring to the birth of Christ. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957) also illustrates the topos, and was very influential in the form of an animated TV special produced in 1966. The phrase and the associated morale became used as a trope in numerous Christmas films since the 1960s.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_meaning_of_Christmas

There is nothing conquencidental Dakota Center was founded the same year A Charlie Brown Christmas aired (Dec. 9. 1965).   This year A Charlie Brown Christmas airs on ABC on 12/21/17.

Can’t help but to hear our founder’s, Fr. Hoelle, voice echoed in what Linus tells us:

Retrieved from A Charlie Brown Christmas:

"I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this 
little tree," said Charlie Brown. "Everything I do turns into 
a disaster. I guess I don't really know what Christmas is 
all about. Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas 
is all about?"

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," 
said Linus. [Linus walks to center stage.] 

"Lights, please."

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 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 Saviour,
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.

                 --Book 42, Luke (002:08-14)
                   The Bible, King James Version

[Linus picks up his blanket and shuffles off-stage.]

Gets me every time!!