“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) That single truth sits at the center of Christmas. The Light (Jesus) did not wait for darkness to retreat. It entered it — fully, deliberately, lovingly.

And then — in the stillness — a child steps forward. No special effects. No background music. No marketing spin. Just Linus. Just Scripture. Just the name of Jesus spoken plainly, confidently, and without apology. That moment alone makes A Charlie Brown Christmas one of the most important pieces of Christmas storytelling ever created.