Kind of a frivolous joy today, but since we are upon the holidays, I think catching the holiday specials on tv is a special joy in and of itself. Even if you own the specials on DVD, it's not quite the same thing. Maybe because when I was growing up, they didn't really sell the specials in the stores on VHS. And if they had, I didn't have the money to buy them. So, I had to catch them when they were on. Of course, I think I did try to tape record some of them when they were on.
My favorite of all the specials is A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's the only Christmas special on the networks that tells the real story of Christmas. Other specials all say that Christmas is a time for family, a time of peace on earth, a time for charity, and those area all good sentiments, but that's not why we celebrate Christmas.

And while they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

But that's not the whole story. A little further on, Mary and Joseph bring their child to the Lord as Jewish law required, there was a man named Simeon there, who was a prophet. And he told them:

This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul. (Luke 2:34-35)

He knew what would happen to the small baby they carried in their arms. I always wondered what Joseph and Mary thought when they heard those words "a sword will pierce your very soul."  How many parents would like to hear that their child will be rejected and killed, even if they know it's part of God's plan? I get kind of choked up thinking about that, what Mary and Joseph went through. Although I believe Joseph was dead by the time of Christ's crucifixion. But that tv special is the only one on mainstream television that tells the truth about why we celebrate Christmas--we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Can't get much more joyful than that!