1960s Christmas Specials

I realize that my personal theology was largely formed by Christmas TV specials that were repeated year after year-- a seasonal ritual. I was born in 1959.  

Here is what I learned and absorbed:

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962) -- Laugh if you must but this is how I came to know the classic Dickens tale. 

-How you live your life has an impact on others.

-Often you are blind to this impact.

-If you are consistently unkind or unfeeling, the world and human spirit prevails despite you. The life that is most diminished is your own.

-There is a chance for redemption if you are willing to take it.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)--

-Those who are different ("misfits") are too often offered limited opportunities

-Perhaps we are all misfits in some way or another

-There is an important role for everyone-- even the monsters

-Allowing everyone to contribute can light our way as we go forth

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)--

-Sometimes what we think is most important is actually least important

-The small voice (Linus) might be the one that helps us refocus our attention

-To treasure and love something transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary-- like the tree Charlie Brown picked out. But, sometimes it requires the whole village to participate in this transformation.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)--

-Christmas is not about the "things"

-It is pretty hard to steal a community's (or person's) spirit

-Redemption is possible-- even for the Grinch who is at the peak of evil -on Mt. Crumpit.

-Forgiveness is possible-- even for the Grinch who is allowed to carve the Roast Beast.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946-but probably showing on TV in the 60's or 70's)

-Every day we have an effect on other people's lives, which we are mostly unaware of

-We need to let others know how important they are to us and how they have contributing to our life in some way (large or small).

-Sometimes self sacrifice and doing good feels like slogging through deep snow and we might want to just give up because it is so hard and our efforts seem to go unrecognized.  Don't give up because others need you and there is still so much more for you to do!!

-Mary